[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!
- Popular Festival Song Rankings [2026]
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
- [Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
- A classic song themed around a summer festival. A song of summer memories (2026).
- Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-POP/Japanese hits [2026]
- Popular Dance Songs Ranking [2026]
- What songs are popular among elementary schoolers? Well-known and sing-along favorites! [2026]
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.
- Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days
- Popular Songs Ranking for Toddlers
- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
- Games that liven up festivals. Ideas that children can enjoy.
[2026] Bon Odori Songs Every Child Knows! A Fun Festival Song Collection (21–30)
Tokyo Olympic Ondo
This is the theme song of the Tokyo Olympics held in 1964.
Because it was themed around Japan’s first time hosting the Olympics, it became a nationwide hit at the time.
In recent years, it was remade in 2017 as “Tokyo Gorin Ondo -2020-” to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics held in 2020.
Tankō-bushi (Coal Miner’s Song)
Originally known for being sung by coal miners in Fukuoka Prefecture, this is a quintessential Bon Odori song.
When the record was released, it sparked a boom and spread rapidly nationwide.
For Japanese people, it may be the most familiar ondo of all.
Matsuken Samba II
It was created in 1994 and was performed as part of a musical show.
After a special program on the Jidaigeki Specialty Channel, a CS broadcaster, showcased the stage performance in 2003, it generated major buzz.
In 2004, an album compiling the “Matsuken Samba” was released, drew further attention, and sparked a massive boom.
Yagi-bushi
It is a Japanese folk song that originated mainly in the areas of Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture and Kiryu and Ota Cities in Gunma Prefecture.
In Kiryu, the “Kiryu Yagibushi Festival” is held every August, featuring performances such as the Yagibushi dance and the Yagibushi ondo.
From kindergarten through elementary and junior high school, a gently arranged, child-friendly version called “Kodomo Yagibushi Odori” is also a popular tune nationwide.
paprika
Since it has a fairly relaxed tempo, I think you can dance to it using basic Bon Odori moves.
The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and performed by the music group Foorin, released in 2018.
It became a hot topic after being featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and went on to be a long-running hit.
It’s a hugely popular piece that even small children know, so it’s a can’t-miss staple I can confidently recommend.
You can use the video as a reference, or try creating original moves that incorporate its choreography.
Happy Dinosaur Ondo
This song, with lyrics and composition by Tsunku, was featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from June to July 2002.
It is notable for its use of shamisen and festival chants in the music.
The group dancing to this song, Odoru♥11, is a summer-only shuffle unit within Hello! Project.
Yosakoi Naruko Dance
These days, it’s not uncommon for Bon Odori to incorporate music from festivals in various regions.
One example is the Yosakoi Festival, which has become well known as a festival from Kochi Prefecture.
The piece that is always used in Yosakoi festival music is “Yosakoi Naruko Odori,” but even if you don’t dance it exactly in the Yosakoi style, doesn’t it fit perfectly as music for Bon Odori?