[Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
When you think of summer festivals, there are so many things to enjoy—fireworks, food stalls, and more.
And at Japanese festivals, mikoshi (portable shrines) and bon odori (bon dances) are essential, too.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs related to these festivals! When you hear “festival-themed songs,” you might think of a lot of enka, but we’ve picked tracks across a wide range of genres—J-pop, rock, idol music, and more—that kids can get excited about, with modern touches woven in as well.
These songs are perfect companions for festivals, and there are also tracks that let you soak up the festival mood or savor the afterglow.
Be sure to check out some festival tunes that match your taste!
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[Let’s Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous festival-related tracks (71–80)
summer festivalShikao Suga
There are probably more people than you’d expect who’ve been lazing their way through summer vacation and didn’t even realize there was a summer festival today.
The perfect festival song for folks like that is Shikao Suga’s “Natsu Matsuri.” It’s included on the 1999 single “Amai Kajitsu.” The lyrics depict waking up in the early evening just as the real festivities are about to start, and simply watching the lively festival outside from inside the house.
It’s a track that captures a languid summer moment—feeling like you kind of want to go, but also don’t really care either way.
NebutaTakashi Hosokawa
Nebuta by Takashi Hosokawa is a song about the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Japan’s most iconic festivals.
Released as a single in 2011, it was also performed at that year’s 62nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The song captures the festival’s heat and dynamism and even incorporates its distinctive chants.
Hosokawa’s characteristically powerful vocals echo the strength of the festival’s main attraction, the floats known as “nebuta.” If you visit the Aomori Nebuta Festival, be sure to give Nebuta a listen!
Hakata Yamakasa Women’s SongYoko Nagayama
This is a song by Yoko Nagayama that lets you feel the excitement of a Japanese festival.
The theme is a traditional festival in Hakata, conveying the festival’s grandeur and the passion of its participants.
Released in February 2011, the track blends elements of enka and pop.
Nagayama’s characteristically powerful vocals are striking, making it feel as if the festival’s vibrant energy has been turned directly into music.
It’s perfect not only when you want to get into a festive mood, but also when you want to experience Japan’s traditional culture.
Even those unfamiliar with Hakata’s festivals can sense their appeal through this song.
summer festivalHomura Takadō
This is a song by Vocaloid producer Takadame Homura, sung by a Vocaloid.
The lyrics depict a brand-new couple going to a summer festival together for the first time—something anyone can easily relate to—and you can’t help but smile warmly as you listen.
With its slow-tempo ballad style and fresh, innocent lyrics, it comes together as a charming track filled with tenderness and affection.
Harbor FestivalMasako Mori
The single Masako Mori released in 1977 is “Minato no Matsuri” (Harbor Festival).
Its lyrics poignantly portray a woman waiting in her hometown, thinking of the lover who has gone away.
She writes letters but receives no reply, and can only recall memories of the person who loved festivals.
It’s a song from around the time Mori was 19 and had just graduated high school, when she was beginning her full-fledged career as an enka singer.
I think it’s a track that will truly resonate with women waiting for someone in a port town, so please give it a listen!
Love Song of Kaze no BonSayuri Ishikawa
Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Kaze no Bon Koi Uta” portrays a heartrending love that can never be fulfilled.
Released in 1989, the song features lyrics by Rei Nakanishi based on Osamu Takahashi’s novel of the same name, with music composed by Takashi Miki.
It is inspired by the annual event “Owara Kaze no Bon” held every September in Toyama City, and is known as a local song of the area.
In line with the novel’s storyline, the lyrics weave in imagery suggestive of a forbidden romance.
It’s a festival song that sensually captures the glamour and joy of the celebration.
Men’s Fire FestivalFuyumi Sakamoto
“Otoko no Himatsuri” is a single released in 2013 by Fuyumi Sakamoto, a singer whose overwhelming vocal ability lets her master everything from enka to pop.
It’s her first full-fledged enka work since the 2008 single “Kinokawa,” and serves as a rallying anthem to inspire Japanese men, with a festival theme.
The lyrics resonate with men who work tirelessly for their families, and the invigorating sound is a major draw.
It opens with powerful taiko drumming, featuring a collaboration with Kodo, the world-renowned taiko ensemble.