[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes
Bon Odori, a quintessential summer tradition! Festival stalls sell games and delicious food, making it hugely popular with kids.
Here, we’ll introduce a variety of wonderful Bon Odori songs—from tunes children already know to unique arrangements of J-pop and Western music.
Lots of new songs are appearing, too.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the dance steps—what matters is having fun.
Kids and adults alike, be sure to join in Bon Odori and make some great memories!
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[2026] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A fun roundup of festival tunes (61–70)
Ninnin Nintama Ondo
This is the bon-odori song from the anime Nintama Rantarō, which depicts the school life of trainee ninjas.
It was used as the ending theme in 1996.
Maybe you’ve even tried copying the characters’ dance from the video? It’s a bon dance song that has been hugely popular with children for many years.
Mount Bandai of Aizu
Its roots lie in the Aizu folk song “Genyo-bushi” as the original tune, and Mount Bandai is an active volcano rising north of Lake Inawashiro.
There are various theories about the “Ohara Shosuke” who appears in the festival chant lyrics: candidates for the model include a merchant who made a fortune in lumber during the Edo period, an activist of the same name in the late Edo era, and Kugōrō, a master lacquerware artisan from Aizu known as a heavy drinker.
Fire Country Taiko
This well-known Bon Odori song, “Hi no Kuni Taiko,” was performed by folk singer Eiichi Kamata and released in 1972.
Fitting for a song set in Kumamoto—the Land of Fire—it even mentions Aso in its lyrics.
It’s widely loved as a Bon Odori staple, heard not only in Kumamoto but at Bon dance venues across Japan.
Soma Bon Song
It is one of the folk songs handed down in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture.
Its roots appear to be in a “Hōnen Odori,” a dance once sung to thank the rice-field deity for a bountiful harvest.
This is also reflected in the opening lyrics.
Covered by major enka stars, “Soma Bon Uta” went on to gain nationwide recognition and popularity.
Awa Odori (Awa Dance Festival)
When it comes to Tokushima’s Awa Odori, it can be said to be one of Japan’s most iconic festivals.
A major attraction is the vibrant festival music played on traditional instruments known as narimono, such as flutes, drums, and shamisen.
This Awa Odori music is also incorporated into many Bon Odori events.
Bon Odori is all about enjoying dancing to any kind of music, and Awa Odori’s music fits perfectly too.
Doremin Ondo
Doremin Ondo is an easy-to-enjoy festival song that we especially hope children will love—friendly and familiar like a nursery rhyme.
It’s a great pick for little ones who are experiencing ondo music for the first time.
The lyrics use the musical notes Do-Re-Mi as a motif, which fits nicely with the traditional Japanese ondo rhythm.
The chorus is arranged so everyone can sing together in a lively call-and-response style, and the relaxed tempo makes it easy to dance to.
It’s perfect for kindergarten performances and the like—a song that’s fun to sing and dance to.
Slowpoke Ondo
Slowpoke, a popular character from Pokémon with a spacey, adorable vibe.
Since August 10 is Slowpoke Day, the “Slowpoke Ondo” was announced on that date in 2018.
Because “udon” and “Yadon” (Slowpoke’s Japanese name) sound similar, Kagawa Prefecture—famous as the Udon Prefecture—has frequently collaborated with Slowpoke, and the lyrics even use Kagawa dialect.
The song’s words express a desire to become like Slowpoke, living idly without doing anything.
Contrary to Slowpoke’s image of not moving at all, the music is a fast-paced, upbeat style.
Dance with full energy as if you’re dancing in Slowpoke’s place!
