Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes

[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes

Last updated:2025/6/3

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 Kid Knows! A Fun Festival Song Collection (1–10)

Pokemon Ondo

Pokemon Ondo Minato Mirai Grand Bon Dance Festival 2018 (1)

Pokemon Ondo

The ending theme from the original Pokémon anime.

It’s from the fourth ending period.

It’s sung by Garura Kobayashi, but in fact that’s enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi.

You often hear it as background music for Bon Odori at kindergartens and local summer festivals.

Its hallmark is the interlude before the second chorus, where it uses Koffing’s rhythm.

It’s awesome that the voice actor sings it while staying in Koffing’s voice!

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Anpanman Ondo ~ Yosakoi Soran Version ~

[Let’s Dance] Anpanman the Movie: The Great Adventure of Burbur’s Treasure Hunt! / Anpanman Ondo – Yosakoi Soran Version

Anpanman Ondo ~ Yosakoi Soran Version ~

This is another cool one: a bon dance piece inspired by the Soran Bushi, where the sound of the shamisen is sharpened by a synthesizer arrangement.

And guess what—it’s actually a bon dance for everyone’s star, Anpanman.

With its modern arrangement, the song has been reborn in a stylish way.

Still, the familiar lyrics give you a comforting feeling.

Since it’s the Soran Bushi version, I’d love to dance while holding naruko clappers in both hands, rattling them as I move.

The choreography is quite authentic, so I think adults would have plenty of fun dancing to it too!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Doraemon Ondo

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2018 [Doraemon Ondo]

Doraemon Ondo

Many of you might hear this and think, “How nostalgic!” It’s the bon dance song from the nationally beloved anime Doraemon.

It’s also very popular with children and is a staple at Bon Odori festivals.

Originally, it was broadcast after the main episode ended, in a format similar to an ending theme.

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Genki Ondo

Genki Ondo / Okaasan to Issho / Hand Play

Genki Ondo

It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.

Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.

The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.

Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.

The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.

Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.

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Pushu-Pushu Ondo

Songs Babies Love: Pshu-Pshu Ondo ~Festival ver.~ [Video That Makes Babies Stop Crying and Smile]

Pushu-Pushu Ondo

The Bon Odori song “Pushu-Pushu Ondo” from the anime “Synapusyu,” which is very popular even with babies.

With lyrics full of onomatopoeia, it’s a tune that even very young children, including babies, can enjoy just by listening.

The cheerful melody packs lots of pop elements into a Bon Odori-style vibe, making kids want to get up and dance.

The official choreography is easy for both children and adults to follow, so try dancing together as a family.

If your child is still too little to dance, parents or guardians can dance and show them how.

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Chibi Maruko Ondo

[Ito Kindergarten] Chibi Maruko Ondo

Chibi Maruko Ondo

If you want to liven up your Bon Odori with a festival song that everyone knows from anime, we recommend “Chibi Maruko Ondo.” Since it was used as the ending theme for the beloved national anime Chibi Maruko-chan, many people may already be familiar with it.

The song features traditional Japanese sounds that are perfect for summer events.

With lyrics written by Momoko Sakura, it’s easy for children to sing.

Form a circle with classmates or local kids and dance it at the Bon Odori—there’s no doubt it will hype up the crowd.

Practicing together at a slow tempo will also help the children grow closer.

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Sumikkogurashi Ondo

Sumikkogurashi Bon Dance (Studio Version)

Sumikkogurashi Ondo

“Sumikko Gurashi Ondo” is a fun festival dance song that expresses the world of Sumikko Gurashi through music.

It charmingly introduces the distinctive traits of its unique characters—like Tonkatsu, Shirokuma, Tokage, and Neko—while encouraging everyone to join in and dance together, which is particularly memorable.

Since its release in November 2018, it has become a fan favorite, often used at Sumikko Gurashi events and promotions.

Be sure to try dancing to it at summer festivals and events—kids and adults alike can enjoy it together! It also sounds fun to get creative with the choreography and come up with your own original dance.

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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.