RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[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 child knows! A fun roundup of festival songs (31–40)

Genghis Khan (also refers to a Japanese grilled mutton dish called ‘Jingisukan’)

[Stardust Kawachi] Fun with dance too! We tried dancing the Bon Odori version of Genghis Khan! [Bon Odori]
Genghis Khan (also refers to a Japanese grilled mutton dish called 'Jingisukan')

When you think of Bon Odori, many people probably imagine distinctly Japanese-sounding music.

However, there’s also a song called “Dschinghis Khan” by a German group of the same name that’s sometimes used for Bon Odori! In Japan, the song became well known through its use in the TV drama Water Boys, a Japanese-language cover by Berryz Kobo, and appearances in various media.

Unlike the more relaxed style of traditional Bon Odori, this upbeat track is best enjoyed by jumping, bouncing, and moving your arms and legs a lot to match the lively vibe.

It’s a perfect song for energetic kids to dance to and have fun.

Gudetama Ondo

Sanrio’s uniquely quirky character Gudetama was born in 2013—a lazy, droopy raw egg, just as the name suggests.

Every line it says is negative, and its lack of motivation is its defining trait.

This bon-odori tune captures that personality perfectly.

The choreography somehow evokes Gudetama’s vibe, and the lyrics feel slack and listless.

Bon dance music keeps evolving—why not enjoy it with this track, representing Sanrio’s modern generation?

Ninnin Nintama Ondo

"Nin-nin Nintama Ondo" Choreography Tutorial Video - Aki Watanabe
Ninnin Nintama Ondo

This is the bon-odori song from the anime Nintama Rantarō, which depicts the school life of trainee ninjas.

It was used as the ending theme in 1996.

Maybe you’ve even tried copying the characters’ dance from the video? It’s a bon dance song that has been hugely popular with children for many years.

Pretty Cure Ondo ~Smile Wink~

Precure Ondo is something that could be used for gymnastics time or as a play activity in kindergartens and nursery schools.

The choreography includes poses that girls will want to imitate, so everyone can sing and dance cheerfully and have fun.

It’s so popular that some kids are especially good at it at summer festivals and Bon dances.

The choreography is a combination of simple moves, so it’s easy for anyone to learn, and with a bit of practice you’ll be able to enjoy dancing it right away.

Tapu Tapu Ondo

Panda Tappy-Tap Tap-Tap Ondo
Tapu Tapu Ondo

The “Tapu-Tapu Ondo” is offered as a gift so children can enjoy dancing to it at kindergartens and day-care centers.

It’s perfect for activities at educational facilities and for events like summer festivals and Bon Odori.

“Tapu-Tapu,” who lives in the land of pandas, is a character filled with love and courage who never gives up no matter what difficulties they face.

Knowing this character image can be educationally beneficial when talking with children or dancing together.

[2026] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A fun festival song roundup (41–50)

Hello Kitty Ondo

Sanrio Puroland – Hello Kitty Ondo (Lyrics)
Hello Kitty Ondo

Sanrio’s popular character, Hello Kitty.

Born in Japan yet beloved worldwide, she’s an iconic representative of kawaii culture.

Her bon-odori song, “Hello Kitty Ondo,” might sound like it would be fancy and cute, but it actually turns out to be a solidly authentic, mellow Japanese ondo tune! Still, since it’s sung by Kitty-chan, it’s undeniably cute.

If you’re celebrating Obon at Sanrio’s theme park, Sanrio Puroland, this is the song to go with!

idol

Idol (Bon Odori ver.) YOASOBI [Let's all dance! Bon Odori]
idol

Released as the opening theme for “Oshi no Ko,” YOASOBI’s song is striking for its lyrics that brilliantly depict both the light and the shadow of being an idol.

While harboring inner weakness and anguish, the idol maintains a godlike facade of perfection, and the song carefully explores that inner conflict along with the delicate nuances of the relationships surrounding them.

Many listeners will likely relate to the protagonist’s story of seeking true love and happiness—expressed through words like “lies” and “secrets.” Since its release in April 2023, the track has become a major talking point on music charts both in Japan and abroad, and it’s even been used as a Bon Odori dance song at events like the Kanda Myojin summer festival.

With its unique musicality and deeply evocative lyrics, this is a song you should definitely listen to during festival season.