[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 festival song roundup (41–50)
Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo
The song “Norimaki Perapari Ondo,” which kids love, is a perfect summer tune and comes highly recommended for festival bon dances.
The catchy “perapari perapari” lyrics have a lively tempo that gives the intro a sense that something fun is about to begin.
The dance is simple and easy to learn, so children around age three can enjoy dancing to it as well.
It’s perfect for the summer festival season, too.
Dressing in yukata or jinbei to enjoy the festivities is a great idea.
Be sure to sing it and make it part of your summer memories.
Zunpa Ondo
If you know this song, you might find yourself going “Oh!” at some Bon Odori somewhere.
The songs played during Bon dances vary by region and era, but this one, created in 1973 and still heard at Bon dances across Japan, is “Zunpa Ondo.” Naturally, the word “Zunpa” catches your attention.
If you listen closely, you’ll notice it comes from the rhythmic onomatopoeia “zunpa” in the lyrics.
With lyrics by Niji Yumeji, known for children’s songs, it’s crafted into a unique and catchy ondo.
Dokonjō Gaeru Ondo
Many of you may know this song as the ending theme of the anime “Dokonjo Gaeru”! The singer is Susumu Ishikawa, a friend of Kenjiro Hirose, who composed the song.
Ishikawa-san also sang “Oba-Q Ondo.” While the anime originally aired in the 1970s, it was adapted into a live-action drama in 2015 starring Kenichi Matsuyama.
As you can see in the video with the protagonist Hiroshi dancing, the choreography is simple and easy for both children and adults.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
Ottotto Ondo
“Ottotto Ondo” is a bright, rhythmic hand-play song created so children can joyfully move their bodies and sing along.
The melody is lively and easy to remember, and the lyrics repeatedly feature the phrase “ottotto,” mimicking the feeling of almost tripping, while conveying the importance of facing forward and moving on as we accept life’s ups and downs.
Released by Takashi Deguchi through Nippon Columbia in 2020, the song is used for children’s recreation in kindergartens and daycare centers.
Be sure to sing and dance together as a family and have lots of fun!
Hikonyan Ondo
Among Japan’s many regional yuru-chara mascots, Hikone City’s “Hikonyan” from Shiga Prefecture is especially popular.
It’s an adorable cat character wearing a samurai helmet modeled after Hikone Castle.
The bon-odori song for this character is “Hikonyan Ondo.” Its simple, gentle melody and lyrics make it enjoyable even for children.
The song cleverly promotes Hikone Castle while showcasing Hikonyan’s cuteness—a savvy little number.
I wonder if this track is played at Hikone City’s Bon Festival dances.
If you’re a yuru-chara fan, this is an absolute must-listen!
Fire Country Taiko
This well-known Bon Odori song, “Hi no Kuni Taiko,” was performed by folk singer Eiichi Kamata and released in 1972.
Fitting for a song set in Kumamoto—the Land of Fire—it even mentions Aso in its lyrics.
It’s widely loved as a Bon Odori staple, heard not only in Kumamoto but at Bon dance venues across Japan.
Drifters’ Vibanon OndoZa Dorifutāzu
‘Drifters’ Vivanon Ondo’ is a song created as a parody of The Drifters’ signature hit ‘Ii Yu da na.’ It features a rhythmic, catchy melody and comical lyrics full of laughter.
Centered on the joy of everyday life and the importance of smiles, the song was released as a single in June 1973 and was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s program ‘It’s 8 O’Clock! All Gather!’ It continued to be used on Fuji TV’s ‘Drift Dai Bakushō’ until 2003, remaining beloved across generations.
The Drifters’ humor and the tune’s familiar, easy-to-enjoy melody make it a perfect song for occasions like summer festivals, where it brings smiles to people’s faces.