Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.

Bountiful Harvest DanceKoja Misako, Natsukawa Rimi

Hōnen Ondo by Misako Koja and Rimi Natsukawa

When it comes to Okinawan-style Bon Odori songs, “Hounen Ondo” is the one that comes to mind.

It’s a bright, upbeat track that layers a festive vibe on top of Okinawan folk music, which is already cheerful to begin with.

It would probably liven up the venue even more if it were played not only in Okinawa but at Bon Odori festivals all across Japan.

Doraemon OndoOoyama Nobuyo

[Nostalgic Song] Doraemon Ondo

The lyrics and music were written by Fujiko Fujio.

It’s a classic old favorite, sung freely and brightly by Nobuyo Oyama, the original voice actor of Doraemon.

Among the many types of “ondo” songs, this is the quintessential track that’s played without fail in various regions every year, and it continues to be cherished by many people.

Oba-Q OndoSoga Machiko, Ishikawa Susumu

Oba-Q Ondo

The voice actress for Obake no Q-tarō, Machiko Soga, is the singer.

This song became a huge hit, selling 2 million records, and in a premium campaign run by the sponsor Fujiya, 4 million flexi discs were distributed.

It is also known as a pioneer of anime-themed “ondo” dance songs.

Ikebukuro West Exit OndoKizu Shigeri

Ikebukuro West Gate Ondo (Festival FUKUSHIMA! @ Ikebukuro West Gate Park)

A song for Bon Odori directed by Otomo Yoshihide + Project FUKUSHIMA! for the festival ‘Festival/Tokyo 14.’ The lyrics all relate to Ikebukuro, and it’s an easy-to-remember tune that everyone can enjoy.

The choreography is fun too, so it looks like it would be enjoyable to dance to.

Tiny Middle-Aged Man OndoMatsumoto Takahiro, Chicchai Ossan

Little Old Man Ondo ♪

It’s a song you can enjoy dancing to together with the uniquely quirky Hyogo local character “Chicchai Ossan.” By the way, he’s said to be from Amagasaki City.

This is the first Bon Odori song released under the Chicchai Ossan name.

Apparently, it came about in response to numerous requests from children.

Gōshū OndoSakuragawa Yoisamaru

Goshu Ondo, the moving/animated Sakuragawa Yui-maru—how blessed, how grateful.

It is a Bon Odori song handed down in the Kinki region.

The lyrics and melodic phrasing vary by area and school, so it’s hard to say which version is the most famous, but Yui-maru Sakuragawa, who performed the traditional Goshu Ondo set to funk music, is well known.

You can sense Buddhist elements—such as nenbutsu and saimon—that are thought to be the roots of ondo.

Fireworks OndoHashi Yukio

Yukio Hashi – Fireworks Ondo

Lyrics were written by Toyohisa Araki, and the composition was done by Yukio Hashi himself.

Following the much-discussed “Bon Dance,” it is becoming established as a new standard song for Bon Odori.

In addition, the choreography for this ondo can be downloaded as a PDF from Yukio Hashi’s official website.