Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.
We’ve gathered classic and must-hear picks of traditional Bon-odori songs recommended by our studio staff—fun for everyone from adults to kids.
It’s a playlist sure to delight festival-loving Japanese listeners!
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Japanese Ondo: A seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy (31–40)
It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!
“Hamham ON-DO da, Ham-chans!” by the Ham-chans is an energetic Bon Odori dance song born from the anime Hamtaro.
All the small, cute characters make an appearance, and a lively rhythm unfolds that makes you want to dance.
With its brisk tempo, it’s fun to join in with call-and-response and hand claps, which will boost children’s eagerness to participate.
The instruments are lively, and the atmosphere builds in step with the song’s progression.
The vocal expressions are rich as well, with a structure that lets each character’s personality shine through.
Even children who don’t know the anime can enjoy it, and using it at summer festivals or school events will create a time filled with smiles.
Japan’s Big Three Chatcha-cha!
This is a fun song themed around Bon Odori dances from all over Japan.
It unfolds with a friendly tempo and rhythm.
The vocals are bright, and the repeated words and rhythmic phrases are catchy, so children will quickly learn and enjoy it.
The instrumental sounds are lively, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing with hand claps and calls.
Its structure highlights the unique qualities of each region, making it enjoyable to experience the cultures of Japan while playing.
It’s well-suited for summer festival stages and school events, and it’s a piece that naturally brings out smiles.
Ponchararin on a moonlit night
It’s a lively ondo song featuring a variety of animals.
The rhythm moves at a comfortable pace, packed with a fun energy that makes you want to move your body.
You can enjoy imagining the movements of raccoon dogs, rabbits, and fireflies.
The instrumentation is cleverly arranged, and the layered sounds create a distinctly summery atmosphere.
The dance choreography is easy to learn, so even children new to Bon Odori can quickly join the circle and have fun.
Through both song and dance, this piece evokes the bustle of a nighttime scene.
As an ondo that colors summer festival memories, it’s beloved by many children.
Ondo Dango Three Brothers
Bon Odori version! Here’s an idea for “Ondo Dango 3 Kyodai.” It’s an arranged version of “Dango 3 Kyodai,” which has been loved by children since its 1999 release.
Keeping the same catchy lyrics and rhythm that stick in your head after just one listen, this version incorporates call-and-response shouts and taiko drums to create a Bon Odori arrangement! With its irresistibly singable, fun atmosphere, children will naturally join the circle and enjoy dancing.
It could also be fun to design choreography inspired by dango.
Schrödinger Ondo (Schrödinger Dance Song)
A festival dance themed around quantum mechanics.
The lyrics are sprinkled with quantum mechanics terminology, and the choreography inspired by it is well-known.
People who love physics must find it irresistible.
And it’s not limited to this—apparently there are many different festival dances in the world of physics.
It’s a festival dance with surprising depth.
Japanese Ondo: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy (41–50)
Mickey Ondo (Mickey Bon Dance Song)
This is a lively bon dance featuring Disney characters that’s loved as a summertime staple.
Its charming blend of Japanese and Western musical styles and unique choreography are especially appealing.
First performed in 2014, it has been a beloved symbol of summer every year since.
It’s now an essential part of Disneyland’s summer events, further elevating the park’s festive atmosphere.
Dancing to this piece with family and friends spreads smiles all around.
Even first-timers can pick it up easily, so performing it at festivals or events is sure to create fun memories together.
It’s also recommended to learn the choreography online and then try dancing it for real.
Ise Ondo
A folk song that was sung in Ise Province during the Edo period and spread throughout Japan.
There isn’t just one “Ise Ondo”; there are several types such as the “standard Ise Ondo” and the “travel Ise Ondo,” and the lyrics vary, which makes it interesting.
The standard Ise Ondo has a fairly slow tempo, so it seems easy to sing and dance to.
Conversely, the travel Ise Ondo has a slightly faster tempo and feels quite lively.