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 child knows! A fun festival song collection (51–60)

Ecchu Owara Bushi

Toyama Prefectural Folk Song: Etchū Owara Bushi

Ecchu Owara Bushi

The Bon Odori festival “Owara Kaze no Bon” is held in the Yatsuo district of Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.

This historic festival, selected as one of the “Top 100 Cultural Properties of Toyama,” takes place every year from September 1 to 3.

Dancers perform to the Echu Owara-bushi folk song, with choreography divided into women’s and men’s styles.

Divided into eleven neighborhoods, men and women dance with their faces hidden by sedge hats to the folk tune “Echu Owara-bushi,” drawing a total of around 250,000 spectators who come to watch.

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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!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Drifters’ Vibanon OndoZa Dorifutāzu

Drifters' Vibanon Ondo

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.

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Kinnikuman Ondo

Kinnikuman ED 3 Widescreen “Kinnikuman Ondo”

Kinnikuman Ondo

Kinnikuman is a pro-wrestling-style fighting anime in which the protagonist, Suguru Kinniku, battles powerful foes together with his comrades.

This song was used as the third ending theme.

Since the protagonist’s favorite food is beef bowl (gyudon), it also appears in the lyrics.

Incidentally, the national anthem of Kinnikuman’s home planet, Planet Kinniku, is titled “Gyudon Ondo.”

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[2026] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A fun roundup of festival tunes (61–70)

Osomatsu-kun Ondo

Osomatsu-san Ondo (Hand-drawn: Osomatsu-san with Osomatsu-kun Ondo)

Osomatsu-kun Ondo

Fujio Akatsuka and Fujio Pro’s gag manga Osomatsu-kun.

The manga and an anime adaptation were released in the 1960s, and when the anime aired again in 2015 to commemorate Fujio Akatsuka’s 80th birthday, a new boom took off, especially among young women.

Chosen as the ending theme for the 1988 Osomatsu-kun anime—beloved across generations—was Osomatsu-kun Ondo, sung by Takashi Hosokawa.

The lyrics are unique, featuring the characters’ parts being swapped around.

Even if you’re not good at dancing, let the quirky lyrics guide you and dance freely!

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Ophroski’s Chappong Bushi

Ophroski's Chappong Bushi

Ophroski's Chappong Bushi

The charming lyrics are the highlight! Here are some ideas for “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi.” It’s a humorous song performed by Ofuroski, a character from the TV show “Miitsuketa!” “Ofurosuki no Chappombushi” has a rhythm and tempo that are perfect for Bon Odori.

The lyrics focus on bath time while weaving in seasonal elements, so it’s likely to become a memorable song for children even after dancing at summer festival Bon Odori.

Be sure to give it a try!

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Pokemon Ondo

[Official] “Pokémon Bon Odori Summer Festival Park Ondo ~Traditional~” Choreography Video

Pokemon Ondo

Move your body to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for the “Pokémon Ondo.” The anime “Pokémon” is popular with both children and adults, but did you know there’s a song called “Pokémon Ondo”? Enjoy the summer festival to the beat of drums and bells in true Bon Odori style.

Familiar melodies and choreography that incorporates Pokémon names and traits are sure to capture children’s interest! The adorable sight of kids pretending to be Pokémon will definitely be a highlight.

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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.