[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 collection of festival tunes (71–80)
Yakuza Young Men’s Festival Song
This is an insert song from the 1956 Toho film “Romance Musume,” starring Hibari Misora, Eri Chiemi, and Izumi Yukimura.
It features an upbeat style that evokes the energy of the era and lyrics that recall the spirit of Edo natives, making it a perfect fit for mikoshi and happi coats.
Kinnikuman Ondo
Kinnikuman is a pro-wrestling-style fighting anime in which the protagonist, Suguru Kinniku, battles powerful foes together with his comrades.
This song was used as the third ending theme.
Since the protagonist’s favorite food is beef bowl (gyudon), it also appears in the lyrics.
Incidentally, the national anthem of Kinnikuman’s home planet, Planet Kinniku, is titled “Gyudon Ondo.”
Donpan-bushi
This piece, Donpan-bushi, is quintessential Bon Odori music.
It has been a beloved staple of Japan’s Bon dance repertoire since around 1935.
There are many Bon Odori songs across Japan, but Donpan-bushi originated in Akita Prefecture.
True to the Tohoku region’s rich folk tradition, it lets you enjoy the distinctive flavor of Japanese minyo (folk song).
As the title suggests, its charm lies in onomatopoeia you can feel intuitively: “don” evokes the sound of the drum, and “pan” the sound of rhythmic handclaps.
Hanagasa Ondo
The ‘Hanagasa Ondo’ is sung during the Hanagasa Festival, where people parade through town holding flower hats adorned with red floral decorations.
Centered around the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, it is held in various locations across Japan.
It’s a perfect song for children who look forward to Bon Odori, one of the major events of summer.
With a grand sound reminiscent of enka and kayōkyoku, it’s sure to boost the excitement of any festival.
Use it as background music to liven up the entire event, or have the children dress up in costumes and dance to create lasting memories.
Why not prepare a special stage for these adorable children to shine?
Gōshū Ondo
It’s a Bon Odori song that’s famous mainly in the Kansai region, especially around Shiga Prefecture.
It originally began as a chant sung by practitioners to spread Buddhist teachings, and over time it became beloved among the general public.
Because it’s an old song, it’s said to have had a major influence on later-ondo styles that emerged afterward.
Livin’ on a PrayerBon Jovi
When it comes to Bon Jovi’s signature songs, the first masterpiece that comes to mind is, of course, Livin’ on a Prayer.
It’s a massive hit featuring the characters Tommy and Gina—no introduction needed.
But did you know that this classic has recently been making waves as a bon odori dance song? A tweet about it being used at the 2018 Nakano Station Grand Bon Odori Festival went viral, Bon Jovi’s official account reacted, and it became an even bigger topic, getting featured on TV under the nickname “Bon Jovi” (a pun on bon odori + Bon Jovi).
In 2024, the phenomenon was even “reimported” to the United States at JAPAN FESTIVAL BOSTON in Boston, and it’s possible that Livin’ on a Prayer may become a standard number for bon odori from here on out!
Hyokkori Hyoutan-jima
The puppet show Hyokkori Hyotan-jima, which aired in the 1960s.
This song of the same title, released as the show’s theme, has been sung by many artists—including Morning Musume—and is a timeless classic widely known across generations.
Let’s dance a Bon Odori to this song that everyone, from children to adults, knows! We recommend adding choreography that sways like an island drifting on the sea or like gently swimming through the waves.
Since the tempo is a bit fast, incorporating bigger movements and traveling steps rather than intricate motions will help you enjoy dancing without getting too caught up in the choreography!
