Japanese ondō: a seasonal tradition everyone can enjoy.

Tokyo Olympic OndoMinami Haruo

Tokyo Olympic Ondo by Haruo Minami

It’s famous as the theme song of the Tokyo Olympics held in October 1964.

With lines like “Haa—We’ve long awaited this festival of the world—,” the lyrics directly express Japan’s excitement and thrill at hosting the Olympics.

Moreover, the fact that it’s presented in the style of an ondo (traditional Japanese rhythm/dance song) feels distinctly Japanese.

Pretty Cure Ondo ~Smile Wink~Gojō Mayumi

Precure Ondo ~Smile Wink~

It’s an adorable festival-style song.

The interjection “tte iu shi!” feels very Precure-like and cute.

The whole song has a chorus and melody that stick in your head after just one listen.

If there’s one drawback, it’s that it’s rather flat overall and the chorus doesn’t quite reach a climax.

Anglerfish OndoSasaki Sayaka

Monkfish Ondo [NicoKara]

An insert song from the anime Girls und Panzer.

It has a fairly lively tempo and feels somewhat like enka.

It’s a curious dance where performers don full-body tights reminiscent of Oarai, Ibaraki’s specialty anglerfish and dance.

It’s been called a mysterious dance, and I think that’s exactly right.

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.