Popular Festival Songs Ranking [2025]

Arale-chan OndoMami Koyama92rank/position

Arale-chan Ondo

Although it was released in 1981, it’s still a staple that’s often played at summer Bon Odori festivals.

In fact, this song is more famous nationwide than the anime’s theme song, and it’s frequently used outside of Bon Odori as well—often as a segment tune or ending theme on radio programs.

Festival Ninjaninja93rank/position

Ninja – Festival Ninja [Good Audio]

When it comes to summer in Japan, festivals are surely an essential element.

They’re precious spaces where everyone—from children to adults—can have fun.

This is one of Ninja’s signature songs that seems to capture the lively atmosphere of festivals and the excitement of the people who spend time there.

The unique lyrics portray the way of life of someone who loves festivals, and the determination to never stop celebrating no matter what happens conveys not only a carefree mood but also a heartfelt devotion to the festival itself.

The light, airy sound further amplifies the all-out commitment depicted in the lyrics, making it a boisterous, vibrant track.

Matsuken Samba IIKen Matsudaira94rank/position

Matsuken Samba II

Known affectionately as Matsuken and famous for his energetic musical activities like “Matsuken Mambo” and “Matsuken Rock,” actor Ken Matsudaira’s 20th single occupies a special place.

Positioned as the second installment in the “Matsuken Samba” series, it interestingly isn’t a strict samba despite the word “samba” in the title, as suggested by its lyrics and musical style—a number that reflects Japan’s unique approach to genre classification.

Its irresistible impact makes everyone want to sing and dance along, perfectly embodying the spirit of a festival.

It’s a classic festival anthem in J-pop history that upended the image of Ken Matsudaira as a grand master of period dramas.

Summer NudeMagokoro Brothers95rank/position

Magokoro Brothers “Summer Nude” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

“Summer Nude” is a single released by Magokoro Brothers in 1995, written as the commercial song for Nissin Foods’ summer-only Cup Noodles product “Summer Noodle.” In 2010 it was used as an insert song for the TV Tokyo drama “Moteki,” and in 2013 Tomohisa Yamashita, the lead actor, covered it as the theme song for the TV drama “SUMMER NUDE.” Its bright sound and driving rhythm, coupled with lyrics that convey the excitement of fireworks, are sure to liven up any summer festival!

Magic hourGreen Yellow Society96rank/position

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Magic Hour' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Magic Hour

On a summer evening at dusk, when the sky is dyed with a magically beautiful gradient, it stirs a bittersweet, slightly wistful feeling, doesn’t it? This piece by Ryokuoushoku Shakai gently accompanies such a scene—a heartwarming song about mutual love.

In the lyrics, the cherished person is likened to fireworks blooming gloriously in the night sky, while the singer likens themselves to the water’s surface quietly reflecting those fireworks, depicting a steadily growing, honest and pure emotion.

Its hauntingly nostalgic, beautiful melody evokes the wistfulness of summer’s end—an enchanting track that makes the heart flutter.

Released in August 2023, the song colored the story as an insert track for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Midsummer Cinderella,” and is also included on the album “Channel U.” If you share this song with someone you love while holding your joyful summer memories close, it might deepen the bond between you even more.

Hanagasa OndoAkiko Kanazawa97rank/position

Hanagasa Ondo

This is a popular ondō song often used in the Japanese festival “Hanagasa Matsuri,” where people dance through the streets to the Hanagasa Ondō.

The festival is held mainly in the Tohoku region.

Among them, the “Yamagata Hanagasa Festival,” held annually in August in Yamagata City, is especially famous.

Secret talk＝LOVE98rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / “Secret Talk” [MV full] Vertical video

Set against the backdrop of a summer festival, this song poppily captures the heart-fluttering moment when a secret relationship with a longtime crush begins.

It was released digitally in August 2025.

The lyrics, penned by producer Rino Sashihara, are infused with a sweet-and-sour exhilaration—the feeling of wanting to boast about getting closer to someone you like, even though you can’t tell anyone.

Emi Ohtani, who takes center position, delivers a gentle vocal that beautifully conveys the protagonist’s wavering feelings of love.

Let this pop love song elevate your summer mood!