[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 child knows! A fun festival song roundup (81–90)
Eisa
A traditional performing art danced during the Obon season in Okinawa Prefecture and on Amami Ōshima in Kagoshima Prefecture, it involves parading through neighborhood streets while dancing to songs and musical accompaniment to welcome ancestral spirits.
It is said to have originated around 1600 in the Ryukyu Kingdom from a practice called “Nembutsu-nyā,” and later changed with the times.
Before the war, the mainstream style was hand dancing with a tenugui cloth wrapped around the head, but after the war—particularly in Okinawa City and other parts of the main island—the style changed significantly, leading to the current form of parading while beating drums.
Kawachi Ondo
Its roots go back to the Edo period, and while there are various arrangements and lyrics, the most famous today is likely Kōzaburō Teppō’s “Teppō-bushi Kawachi Ondo Series,” released in 1961.
Although Kawachi Ondo originated in Osaka, it has now gained nationwide recognition, and the song continues to be actively used as a Bon Odori tune at community events held in the Kanto region.
Village Festival
This song was included in Shōka for Ordinary Elementary Schools, a music textbook for elementary students published in 1912.
Although the lyricist has yet to be identified, recent research suggests it may be Shigeru Kuzuhara, who wrote Yūhi (Sunset).
It is a song about a village harvest festival, notable for incorporating festival music chants into the lyrics.
Soran Bushi
Its origins lie in songs sung by fishermen during their work from Aomori up to Hokkaido.
If you explain the meanings—like rowing the boat on the scaffold or hauling up the nets—children can picture those scenes and dance to them, making it more enjoyable.
In the “boat rowing” and “net hauling” parts, it’s also fun to have them stand with a firm, grounded posture before dancing, so they can better imagine real rowing or net hauling.
It’s a perfect song for summer festivals and Bon Odori.
Yellow Submarine Ondo
Yellow Submarine Ondo is a bold adaptation and Japanese-language rendition of the Beatles’ 1966 song “Yellow Submarine.” Released in 1982 as the 16th single by folk singer Akiko Kanazawa, it initially drew some backlash from Beatles fans in Japan, but went on to become a staple of Bon Odori festival dances.
It is also considered a pioneering example of a Japanese cover of a Western pop song.
Arale-chan Ondo
This is a bon odori song that reflects the brightness of the anime Dr.
Slump Arale-chan.
Its tempo perfectly matches the energetic characters, and the playful sound creates a fun atmosphere.
With lots of choreography you’ll want to imitate and catchy call-and-response shouts, it makes kids eager to jump in and dance.
The structure further heightens the festive excitement, letting you fully enjoy the lively mood.
It’s easy for children unfamiliar with the original work to enjoy, and it’s a song that naturally brings smiles as you dance.
It delivers a joyful festival experience that blends the anime’s world with music.
[2026] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes (91–100)
Anpanman Ondo
Let’s all dance together! Here are some ideas for the “Anpanman Ondo.” Let’s dance the “Anpanman Ondo” with the beloved characters from “Go! Anpanman,” popular in the anime, movies, and picture books! The song has four verses, but the choreography stays the same, so it should be easy for children to learn, right? Moving their bodies to the rhythm can not only develop motor skills and a sense of rhythm, but also help nurture emotional expression—like “I did it!” and “I can dance for fun!”—and boost their self-esteem.