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[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!

[2026] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A fun roundup of festival tunes (111–120)

Hurricane Ondo

2010.08.07 Night at the New City food stalls
Hurricane Ondo

This is a song from the 2002 Super Sentai series Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger.

While most Super Sentai teams had previously consisted of five members, Hurricaneger’s three-member format became a hot topic for its unusual approach.

Since the heroes are ninja with a traditional Japanese theme, the festive ondo-style music suits it well.

Ise Ondo

Ise Ondo “Standard Ise Ondo”
Ise Ondo

Ise Ondo is a folk song that was sung in Ise Province during the Edo period and spread throughout Japan.

Various regional versions of Ise Ondo exist.

It is said to have originated as a lumber-hauling work song (kiyari-uta) sung by okihiki who transported timber for the Ise Grand Shrine’s periodic rebuilding, as songs sung along the pilgrimage routes to Ise, and as popular tunes in the entertainment quarters around the Shrine.

Broadly, it appears to be divided into the “Seichō Ise Ondo” style and the “Ise Dōchū-uta” style.

Hokkai Bon Song

This is “Hokkai Bon Uta,” famous as the original song for the opening theme of The Drifters’ TV program ‘It’s 8 O’Clock! Everybody Assemble!’ The record by enka singer Michiya Mihashi was a huge hit and spread nationwide.

While it has become established as a Bon dance song in Hokkaido, it is also frequently included in the set lists of summer festivals and Bon dances throughout Japan.

Itabashi Ondo

#Gorgeous #Itabashi Ondo (#Nagashi Ver.) #Itabashi Ward Residents' Festival 2019 #Folk Dance Parade #Tokyo Autumn Festival Tokyo Japan
Itabashi Ondo

Let me introduce a staple Bon Odori song from Itabashi Ward in Tokyo.

Beloved by locals and emblematic of Itabashi’s culture, this piece is indispensable at festivals and events.

It follows a folk-song style, characterized by the sounds of drums and flutes.

The lyrics weave in famous spots and scenery from Itabashi, such as the Arakawa and Shakujii Rivers, conveying the feel of everyday life across the four seasons.

Creating a sense of unity and togetherness among residents, the song appeals to people of all ages.

It’s also a great chance for those who don’t often make it out to experience the festive atmosphere.

Give it a listen and discover the charm of Itabashi Ward for yourself.

Ginza Kan-kan Girl

"Ginza Kankan Musume" Dance Edition — Sapporo Chūreitō Bon Odori Festival
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!

Kagoshima Ohara-bushi

Kagoshima Ohara Bushi (Bon Odori, Nagashi)
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

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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.