[Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
When you think of summer festivals, there are so many things to enjoy—fireworks, food stalls, and more.
And at Japanese festivals, mikoshi (portable shrines) and bon odori (bon dances) are essential, too.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of songs related to these festivals! When you hear “festival-themed songs,” you might think of a lot of enka, but we’ve picked tracks across a wide range of genres—J-pop, rock, idol music, and more—that kids can get excited about, with modern touches woven in as well.
These songs are perfect companions for festivals, and there are also tracks that let you soak up the festival mood or savor the afterglow.
Be sure to check out some festival tunes that match your taste!
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[Let’s Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous festival-related tracks (71–80)
After the Festivalyoshida takurou
On the way home from a fun festival, you somehow end up feeling a little lonely, don’t you? Capturing that feeling perfectly is Takuro Yoshida’s song “After the Festival.” It’s included on his 1972 album “Genki Desu.” The melancholic, understated melody heightens that sense of loneliness.
The lyrics reflect on the emptiness that descends after the festivities and the indescribable irritation that follows, pondering how to shake it off.
This song offers comfort for that post-festival sadness that everyone—yourself included—has felt.
Harbor FestivalMori Masako
The single Masako Mori released in 1977 is “Minato no Matsuri” (Harbor Festival).
Its lyrics poignantly portray a woman waiting in her hometown, thinking of the lover who has gone away.
She writes letters but receives no reply, and can only recall memories of the person who loved festivals.
It’s a song from around the time Mori was 19 and had just graduated high school, when she was beginning her full-fledged career as an enka singer.
I think it’s a track that will truly resonate with women waiting for someone in a port town, so please give it a listen!
Love Song of Kaze no BonIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Kaze no Bon Koi Uta” portrays a heartrending love that can never be fulfilled.
Released in 1989, the song features lyrics by Rei Nakanishi based on Osamu Takahashi’s novel of the same name, with music composed by Takashi Miki.
It is inspired by the annual event “Owara Kaze no Bon” held every September in Toyama City, and is known as a local song of the area.
In line with the novel’s storyline, the lyrics weave in imagery suggestive of a forbidden romance.
It’s a festival song that sensually captures the glamour and joy of the celebration.
Mikoshi RockersKICK THE CAN CREW
A track by KICK THE CAN CREW, a group that could be called one of the driving forces behind Japan’s hip-hop scene.
It’s a collaboration with RHYMESTER, another group leading the scene.
As the title “Mikoshi” suggests, the lyrics are inspired by Japanese festivals, and the seemingly mismatched funky track actually ends up sounding incredibly cool.
HANABIMr.Children
It’s one of Mr.Children’s signature songs, evoking the atmosphere of summer festivals that are inseparable from Japan’s summertime.
It speaks of parting with the lost “you,” and the sorrow and hope felt through that farewell.
The lyrics are striking for their focus on life’s choices and sacrifices—the idea that to gain something, one must give something up.
Released in September 2008, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving.” It’s recommended for when you want to linger in the afterglow of a festival or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.
Men’s Fire FestivalSakamoto Fuyumi
“Otoko no Himatsuri” is a single released in 2013 by Fuyumi Sakamoto, a singer whose overwhelming vocal ability lets her master everything from enka to pop.
It’s her first full-fledged enka work since the 2008 single “Kinokawa,” and serves as a rallying anthem to inspire Japanese men, with a festival theme.
The lyrics resonate with men who work tirelessly for their families, and the invigorating sound is a major draw.
It opens with powerful taiko drumming, featuring a collaboration with Kodo, the world-renowned taiko ensemble.
Soran Festival SongTendō Yoshimi
This is a song by Yoshimi Tendo that directly captures the atmosphere of Japanese festivals.
It depicts gratitude toward festivals and the strength of people who face the harshness of nature.
Featuring distinctive calls reminiscent of the traditional Hokkaido fishermen’s song “Soran Bushi,” it has a powerful resonance that touches listeners’ hearts.
Released in November 2015, it was also used as a tie-in for NHK Your Song, commemorating the 80th anniversary of NHK radio broadcasting.
This work is recommended when you want to feel the bustle of a festival or experience Japan’s rich nature and culture.