Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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)

Eisa

Papa Pineapple Dance Eisa Full Version (3 minutes)

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.

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Kyutama Ondo

Takumi Kizu, Sakurako Okubo, and the other Kyurangers perform the “Kyutama Ondo” — Stage greeting at the completion screening of the theatrical film “Uchu Sentai Kyuranger THE MOVIE: The Counterattack of Geth Indabe” 3

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.

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Fortune Cookie in Love

Wadaiko Bon Odori Song – “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie” Chiba Kagura Daiko 2018, 32nd Masago Summer Festival, Day 2

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.

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Kawachi Otoko-bushi

Bon Odori Kawachi Otoko-bushi

Kawachi Otoko-bushi

This is the biggest hit by enka singer Mitsuko Nakamura, released in 1989 (Heisei 1).

Her song “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” gradually gained a reputation and became a hit, selling 80,000 copies in just six months in Osaka alone.

Later, Mitsuko Nakamura went on to appear multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

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Kawasaki Odori (Kawasaki Dance)Miyako Harumi

Kawasaki Odori (Kawasaki Dance)

Kawasaki Odori (Kawasaki Dance)Miyako Harumi

With its punchy melody, Kawasaki Odori is a classic that makes both children and adults want to sing along as they enjoy dancing the bon dance.

The lyrics skillfully weave in the charm of Kawasaki’s scenery and culture, awakening in each listener the joy and heat of summer.

It’s cherished almost like a beloved standard, no doubt because the famed singer’s signature Harumi style rides the melody straight to the heart.

Created to commemorate Kawasaki City’s transition to a government-designated city in 1972, this song has been a crowd favorite, energizing Kawasaki’s bon dance festivals for over 43 years.

Whether under the midday sun or the starlit night sky, dancing together with the people of Kawasaki is sure to make it a summer to remember.

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In producing this article

Editorial Policy

With the theme “Bon Odori that both children and adults can enjoy,” we’ve picked out songs that liven up summer Bon Odori festivals. We’ve compiled tunes that people of all ages have actually enjoyed, highlighting the importance of making summer Bon Odori exciting for everyone, from kids to adults.

Kepiko (10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminder)

KOH-1 (music writer)

[Evidence]

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

June 3, 2025: Added/updated 16 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
May 12, 2025: Added/updated one review.
April 10, 2025: Added/updated one review.
June 21, 2024: Added and updated 15 reviews, and updated the entire article.
May 15, 2023: Added and updated 14 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
May 16, 2022: Added/updated six reviews.
May 10, 2021: Added/updated six reviews.
May 28, 2020: Added/updated 10 reviews.
May 26, 2020: Added and updated two reviews.
2019/7/30: Added/updated 5 reviews.
Added/updated 9 reviews on 2019/7/29.
2019/4/26: Added/updated three reviews.
2019/4/25: Added/updated 11 reviews.
May 26, 2018: Added/updated 14 reviews.
May 1, 2016: Published the article.