[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 (41–50)
Ultraman Ondo
It’s a fun number that mixes the world of tokusatsu heroes with the rhythm of bon odori.
The presence of Ultraman—familiar to everyone—overlaps with the music and captures children’s hearts.
Adding choreography to the “signature pose” lines in the lyrics makes it easy to enjoy even for first-time festival-goers.
The drums and percussion in the background evoke the feeling of summer and bring liveliness to the whole track.
The vocals are dynamic, with clear shifts between sections that make it thoroughly engaging to listen to.
It’s highly recommended not only for kids who love Ultraman, but also for anyone in the mood to soak up a festive atmosphere.
Ophroski's Chappong Bushi
The charming lyrics are the highlight! Here are some ideas for “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi.” It’s a humorous song performed by Ofuroski, a character from the TV show “Miitsuketa!” “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi” has a rhythm and tempo that are perfect for Bon Odori.
The lyrics focus on bath time while weaving in seasonal elements, so it’s likely to become a memorable song for children even after dancing at summer festival Bon Odori.
Be sure to give it a try!
It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!
“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.
All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.
With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.
The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.
The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.
Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.
Japan’s Big Three Chatcha-cha!
This is a fun song themed around Bon Odori dances from all over Japan.
It unfolds with a friendly tempo and rhythm.
The vocals are bright, and the repeated words and rhythmic phrases are catchy, so children will quickly learn and enjoy it.
The instrumental sounds are lively, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing with hand claps and calls.
Its structure highlights the unique qualities of each region, making it enjoyable to experience the cultures of Japan while playing.
It’s well-suited for summer festival stages and school events, and it’s a piece that naturally brings out smiles.
Summer FestivalYosui Inoue
Included on Yosui Inoue’s second album, “Yosui II: Sentimental,” released in 1972, is the song “Natsu Matsuri” (“Summer Festival”).
The album was recorded in London and reached No.
10 on the Oricon album chart.
Festivals usually evoke a cheerful, bright image, but “Natsu Matsuri” is a dark-sounding number that makes extensive use of minor chords.
It sings about memories of going to a festival with his younger sister, yet it exudes an unsettling atmosphere.
Dancing! Summer Festival10 Person Festival
Dancing! Natsu Matsuri, released in 2001 by 10nin Matsuri, a group formed by shuffling members of Hello! Project.
Packed with the heat and excitement of a summer festival, this song is perfect as background music for events like summer festivals! The lyrics depict how people who usually lead their own lives in different places return to their hometowns when festival season arrives to liven up the local festivities.
If you used to go to your hometown festivals as a kid, listening to this song will surely bring back those fun memories!
Pokemon OndoSachiko Kobayashi
The fourth ending theme used in the Pokémon anime was “Pokémon Ondo.” It’s sung by Sachiko Kobayashi—an enka singer with deep ties to the Pokémon series—under the name “Kangaskhan Kobayashi,” and it was included as the B-side on the 1998 single “Trade Please.” “Pokémon Ondo” features many Pokémon and is a perfect fit for Bon Odori dances.
If you’re looking to add a fresh track to your Bon Odori music, how about “Pokémon Ondo”?