Recommended summer songs for kids: Popular J-POP/Japanese hits [2026]

ASOBONiziU

NiziU(니쥬) Digital Single 「ASOBO」 M/V

With a playful spirit, every day becomes more fun—that’s the feeling this NiziU track gives you.

Featuring house music and a Motown-style upbeat rhythm, it’s the kind of song that makes many listeners start moving without even realizing it.

Released in April 2022, it was also used in a Fanta commercial.

Its message, “Let’s enjoy everyday life no matter what,” amplifies that excited summer vacation mood.

It’s perfect for hanging out with friends or as background music for outings, so give it a listen when you want everyone to get hyped!

Let’s dance, Ondo!

Let's dance, Ondo!

This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.

The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.

The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.

With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.

The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.

A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.

Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.

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Ultraman Ondo

Ultraman Ondo 2006

It’s a fun number that mixes the world of tokusatsu heroes with the rhythm of bon odori.

The presence of Ultraman—familiar to everyone—overlaps with the music and captures children’s hearts.

Adding choreography to the “signature pose” lines in the lyrics makes it easy to enjoy even for first-time festival-goers.

The drums and percussion in the background evoke the feeling of summer and bring liveliness to the whole track.

The vocals are dynamic, with clear shifts between sections that make it thoroughly engaging to listen to.

It’s highly recommended not only for kids who love Ultraman, but also for anyone in the mood to soak up a festive atmosphere.

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It’s Hamu Hamu ON-DO, Ham-chans!

It's Ham-Ham ON-DO, Ham-Hams!

“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.

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Ponchararin on a moonlit night

Ponchararin on a Moonlit Night (Okaasan to Issho) / Yuzo Imai, Shoko Haida, Hiromichi Sato, Yoriko Taki

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.

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Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 3rd Single Title Track “Blue Hawaii Lemon” [MV full]

This ≒JOY release is filled with bittersweet feelings, set to a sound as fresh as a breeze that heralds the arrival of summer.

Released in June 2025, it’s the group’s third single, with Reon Esumi as the center.

The lyrics, which liken summer romance to shaved ice, are absolutely adorable and make you feel like falling in love yourself.

It’s perfect as background music for making memories with friends and loved ones!

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

With its powerful performance, WANIMA’s “Tomoni” can turn any summer into a smile.

It’s included on the single “JUICE UP!!” released in 2016.

Summer can be tough—worrying about club activities, future paths, and all the things you can’t do because of various restrictions.

But this song makes you feel that if you keep being yourself and doing what you believe in no matter what, the light will surely appear.

WANIMA’s fiery message and sound are perfect for the hot summer! Let their performance energize you and create an unforgettable summer full of memories!

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