[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 roundup of fun festival tunes (91–100)
Otemoyan
Even if many people know the word “Otemoyan,” I imagine quite a few don’t actually know what it refers to.
“Otemo” is a woman’s name, and “-yan” is an honorific equivalent to “-san” or “-chan.” It’s a regional folk song known for its lyrics in the Kumamoto dialect, and it’s said to have become famous across Japan thanks to a record sung by Akasaka Koume around 1935.
It’s a classic tune you can hear at Bon Odori festivals all over Japan.
Maru-chan’s Shizuoka Ondo
This song was created as a PR song for Shizuoka City due to the connection that Momoko Sakura, the author of Chibi Maruko-chan, hails from Shizuoka City.
Well-known artists such as Haruomi Hosono and Pierre Taki were also involved.
The lyrics, brimming with love for Shizuoka, are well supported by the city’s residents.
Yosakoi Bushi
Yosakoi-bushi is a folk song that remains in Kochi Prefecture, with the refrain “yosakoi, yosakoi,” though its origin is disputed and not definitively known.
Since the Yosakoi Festival was first held in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, in 1954, the dance has gradually evolved; today it is characterized by performers holding naruko clappers and incorporating a variety of dance genres.
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.
Chanchiki Odesa
Haruo Minami’s debut song, with which he announced himself to the world of popular music in June 1957.
It became a massive hit, selling over two million copies, and instantly propelled him into the ranks of popular enka singers.
The lyrics portray the pathos of men’s lives: migrant workers who have left their hometowns, downing cheap liquor at a back-alley food stall, their thoughts drifting to the distant places they came from, sighing over the helplessness of their humble lot.
Hakata Celebration Song
In Fukuoka, things just don’t feel complete unless you do this! They say many people insist on it.
It’s a custom that began in the Edo period and is still indispensable today at celebrations, festivals, and turning points in life.
The “Hakata Celebration Song” and the “Hakata Te Ippon” hand clap.
The most famous scene is during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa on July 15, when the first Yamakasa team enters Kushida Shrine in the Oiyama race.
Singing the Hakata Celebration Song and performing the Hakata Te Ippon amid the tension and excitement is truly moving!
DB Ondo
It might be especially popular with boys! It’s a Bon Odori song created by a gathering of the many Dragon Ball comedians.
You’ll see it in the video, but the characters are basically jam-packed and all over the place.
The lyrics are full of references you’ll get if you’ve seen the original manga or the anime series.
So not only kids, but parents, too, might enjoy it.
We hope you and your children have a fun, smile-filled time dancing together!
