Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.

Tokyo OndoKouta Katsutarou

Kouta Katsutaro; Tokyo Ondo

Speaking of that familiar cheer that begins with “Haaah,” it’s Tokyo Ondo.

Even if you don’t really know the choreography, it’s the kind of song that makes you feel like breaking into a little dance.

It’s also well known as a fight song for the Tokyo Swallows professional baseball team.

Even when it rains, it’s fun to raise and lower your umbrella while listening to Tokyo Ondo.

Shimokita OndoBarō Marakasu-dan

Shimokita Ondo

Here is the work that actually won the Grand Prize in an open call held in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo.

In this video, you can see choreography initiated by choreographer Shigeki Majima, who once took the world by storm with “Matsuken Samba.”

Gudetama Ondogudetama

Gudetama Ondo

It’s a laid-back bon-odori-style tune by Gudetama, the lazy egg who’s actually an official Sanrio Puroland character.

The lines Gudetama drops in throughout the lyrics are kind of funny.

The song itself is a bright, fun track you can dance to.

Tokyo OndoKouta Katsutarou

Kouta Katsutaro & Issho Mishima: Tokyo Ondo A/B

The famous “Tokyo Ondo,” recorded in 1933, is performed here by its original singer, Kouta Katsutaro.

You can enjoy this now-rare footage.

Beyond Bon Odori festivals, the song is also well known as a fight song for the professional baseball team, the Yakult Swallows.

National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda

Nationwide Drinkers' Ondo (with Nico Nico Douga comments)

The lyrics, which use any excuse to drink, are shocking.

Released in 1976, this track is notable for the way it lifts your spirits just by listening.

The song’s prototype comes from “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” the musical number in Disney’s film Cinderella.

Arale-chan OndoKoyama Mami

Arale-chan Ondo

Although it was released in 1981, it’s still a staple that’s often played at summer Bon Odori festivals.

In fact, this song is more famous nationwide than the anime’s theme song, and it’s frequently used outside of Bon Odori as well—often as a segment tune or ending theme on radio programs.

The Chant of 1 Plus 1Suizenji Kiyoko

Bon Odori: The 1+1 Ondo [Demo Video]

Kiyoko Suizenji, famous for “Cheetah,” has songs with wonderfully positive lyrics.

The tune has that classic ondo style through and through, but you can savor such charming lines as, “You plus me is I love you; Mama plus Papa don’t kno~ow.” It’s no surprise the lyrics are by Tetsurō Hoshino.