[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 (111–120)
Ginza Kan-kan Girl
Ginza Kankan Musume is a classic song with a lively rhythm, a fun melody, and lyrics celebrating a free and independent woman.
Set in Ginza, the symbol of postwar recovery, the image of the Kankan girl dashing around the city in sandals is glamorous and full of energy.
Released in 1949 and beloved as the theme song of the film of the same name, it stands as one of composer Ryoichi Hattori’s signature works.
It’s the perfect tune for savoring a Showa-retro vibe at summer festivals and other events.
If everyone sings and dances along, it’s sure to be a hit!
Kitaro Ondo
The GeGeGe no Kitaro series is renowned nationwide.
It’s a work known across a truly wide range of generations, regardless of age or gender.
The series’ festival dance song is “Kitaro Ondo.” It’s sung by Keiko Toda, the voice actor who played Kitaro in the third series that began airing in 1985.
Toda also voices Anpanman, so many small children might recognize her voice and think, “Oh!” It’s a slightly spooky yet fun song that brings the world of GeGeGe no Kitaro to life.
Kagoshima Ohara-bushi
It is a folk song handed down in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Although there are various theories about its origin, it is said to have begun being sung in the early Edo period.
In 1933, a recording by Kiyozō Shinbashi, a native of Kagoshima, helped it gain nationwide popularity.
Later, parts of it were quoted in the Tokyo Ondo.
In addition, at the Ohara Festival, which began in 1949 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Kagoshima’s incorporation as a city, the Ohara Bushi came to be performed as a dance.
Since 2011, it has also been used as the arrival and onboard melody for trains at Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
festival
The heartfelt wishes for a bountiful harvest and a great catch convey the sentiments of traditional Japanese culture, and they also help children understand the importance of appreciating nature’s blessings, making these lyrics very good.
They are full of vitality and convey the power of festivals, which helps children dance with confidence.
This is a recommended song for summer festivals and Bon dances, where people of all ages—from the elderly to children—can enjoy dancing together across generations.
Vegetable Ondo
Everyone, when you think of summer, you think of Bon Odori! Among Bon Odori songs that kids can enjoy, this bright and cheerful tune is a top recommendation.
Its charm is that you can move your body and dance while rhythmically singing the names of vegetables.
Through the lyrics, children can also learn about vegetables that appear—like cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumbers—their characteristics, how they’re grown, and tasty ways to eat them.
The easy-to-remember chorus, “Ya-ssa, ya-ssa, yassa~i~,” is sure to be a hit with kids! Widely loved at nursery and kindergarten sports days and recitals, this song can spark children’s interest in vegetables.
Be sure to include it in your summer memories by dancing together as a family and having fun.
Kyutama Ondo
The Kyutama Ondo! from the Super Sentai series Uchu Sentai Kyuranger features choreography by Lucky Ikeda.
It was created with the hope that children and their parents would make memories together.
Since it’s a popular TV series, everyone can learn to dance and have fun.
The dance moves are a bit complex, so some practice may be needed.
Both boys and girls can enjoy dancing together.
Fortune Cookie in Love
When it comes to Bon Odori, many people probably think of traditional Bon dance songs, but these days pop songs are sometimes used as they are.
One of the frequently used tracks is AKB48’s “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie.” Released in 2013, this song is widely known, which likely makes it easy for many people to accept.