[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)
Earth (Pekopon) Invasion Ondo
This is an ode featuring the star of the gag anime Sergeant Keroro, originally created by Mine Yoshizaki.
Although Sergeant Keroro and the others are supposed to be aliens who came to invade Earth, the series depicts their daily lives as they settle into Japanese life, and you can feel that laid-back atmosphere in this song as well.
The orthodox ondō rhythm also makes it perfect for festivals.
[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A fun festival song collection (51–60)
Anpanman Ondo
Let’s all dance together! Here are some ideas for the “Anpanman Ondo.” Let’s dance the “Anpanman Ondo” with the beloved characters from “Go! Anpanman,” popular in the anime, movies, and picture books! The song has four verses, but the choreography stays the same, so it should be easy for children to learn, right? Moving their bodies to the rhythm can not only develop motor skills and a sense of rhythm, but also help nurture emotional expression—like “I did it!” and “I can dance for fun!”—and boost their self-esteem.
Livin’ on a PrayerBon Jovi
When it comes to Bon Jovi’s signature songs, the first masterpiece that comes to mind is, of course, Livin’ on a Prayer.
It’s a massive hit featuring the characters Tommy and Gina—no introduction needed.
But did you know that this classic has recently been making waves as a bon odori dance song? A tweet about it being used at the 2018 Nakano Station Grand Bon Odori Festival went viral, Bon Jovi’s official account reacted, and it became an even bigger topic, getting featured on TV under the nickname “Bon Jovi” (a pun on bon odori + Bon Jovi).
In 2024, the phenomenon was even “reimported” to the United States at JAPAN FESTIVAL BOSTON in Boston, and it’s possible that Livin’ on a Prayer may become a standard number for bon odori from here on out!
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!
Mushroom Ondo
The commercial jingle “Kinoko no Uta,” which became a craze at the time for its cute song and characters.
This bon odori version, arranged from that tune, was created out of a wish for children to enjoy a lively, energetic summer in Nagano City, where Hokuto Co., Ltd.
is headquartered.
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.
Home Run Ondo
Summer is all about high school baseball, isn’t it? After watching those heated games, the bon odori I’d love for you to try is the “Home Run Ondo.” It’s a bon dance song for children and is actually used at many bon dance venues.
As the title suggests, the lyrics are all about baseball—depicting the scene of aiming for a home run and clinching victory.
If your child plays baseball, it’s great to dance while thinking, “I’m definitely going to hit a home run in the next game!” The tempo is on the relaxed side, and the lyrics are catchy enough to make you want to sing along, so it’s a lot of fun to dance to!
