[For Seniors] Bon Odori Recreation: Introducing the enjoyable Bon Odori dances passed down across Japan

Gomangoku OdoriNEW!

Gomangoku Dance Guided [Let’s All Dance! Bon Odori]

In Aichi Prefecture, everyone around Okazaki City knows the “Gomangoku Odori,” which is based on the folk song “Okazaki Gomangoku.” At the Okazaki Tourism Summer Festival held in August, the “Gomangoku Mikoshi” and “Gomangoku Odori” are enjoyed together.

The distinctive chant “Yoikono Sanse,” from the kiyari-bushi style, is guaranteed to liven up any Bon dance.

The choreography is appealing too, with lots of clapping and the use of uchiwa fans.

Since it’s uptempo, it might be a bit tough until you learn the song, but it’s a fun and somehow addictive number.

Great Tokyo OndoNEW!

Grand Tokyo Ondo - With Guide [Let’s all dance! Bon Odori]

“Dai-Tokyo Ondo” is an ondo song created by TV Tokyo to commemorate the network’s 15th anniversary.

If “Tokyo Ondo” represents the early Showa era, then “Dai-Tokyo Ondo” could be called a signature song of the late Showa period.

It’s famous as a duet by Yukio Hashi and Akiko Kanazawa, but Haruo Minami and Harumi Miyako also released versions around the same time.

While retaining the traditional ondo melody, the song features arrangements characteristic of Showa-era pop, and it has become a Bon Odori staple loved across Japan.

The interjections in the song—like “Sore!”—are a lot of fun, too.

Tokyo OndoNEW!

Lecture on how to dance the Bon Odori! Kanto’s classic!? “Tokyo Ondo”

Among baseball fans, this is also a popular song as a Yakult Swallows cheer anthem.

Watching the green and blue umbrellas swing up and down is fun in itself.

Although it’s called “Tokyo Ondo,” it’s a Bon dance tune loved all over the country, and singers like Harumi Miyako and Haruo Minami have performed it.

Perhaps because it’s so popular, video sites feature many versions—ones you can dance to while seated, and ones that people using wheelchairs can enjoy.

It’s a classic that livens up Bon dances—let’s all enjoy it together.

Life is like a Naniwa-bushi (a melodramatic ballad).NEW!

Life is Naniwa-bushi: Guided [Let’s All Dance! Bon Odori]

These days, it’s increasingly common for popular songs and enka to be enjoyed just as they are as Bon Odori tunes.

What’s your favorite song? “Naniwabushi da yo Jinsei wa” is one of Takashi Hosokawa’s signature hits, and he won the Japan Record Award’s Best Vocal Performance for this song.

Others like Harumi Miyako and Kiyoko Suizenji have also covered it.

The choreography has been uploaded to video sites by the Tokyo Bon Odori Association.

It’s a fun, modern routine that matches the feel of the song, so be sure to check it out!

Bon Odori Exercise – Tanko Bushi

[For Seniors and the Elderly] Seated Bon Odori Exercise (Tanko-bushi) / Enjoy exercising with a summer festival vibe!

When you go to summer festivals, you often see people enjoying bon odori, the traditional festival dance.

Many older adults have probably danced it at least once, too.

So this time, we’re introducing a bon odori exercise you can use for summer festival activities at care facilities.

It can be done seated, making it a great option for those who find standing difficult.

For the upper body, raise both hands above your head and clap along; for the lower body, extend your heels forward and march your feet in place.

The moves are all simple, so try dancing along to your favorite bon odori song.

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Soran-bushi exercise

Soran-bushi exercise

Many older adults may be familiar with the Soran Bushi, don’t you think? I’ve heard it’s sometimes performed at school sports days.

Just hearing the rhythm and calls of Soran Bushi can make you feel energized.

Let’s try some exercises to the spirited rhythm of Soran Bushi.

Move your body by extending your hands forward or raising them overhead like a banzai cheer.

It can be done while seated, so many older adults should be able to take part.

If it’s a song they know, older adults will likely enjoy doing the exercises comfortably.

Donpan Exercises

Yoko Kobayashi’s Donpan Exercise

Let’s try a health exercise called the Donpan Taiso set to a folk song.

Compared to pop and kayōkyoku, it has clearer melodic contours and a progression that even the elderly can easily remember, the tempo is slow so they can keep up with the speed, and many older people love folk songs.

For these reasons, it seems more familiar than dancing to trendy J-pop.