[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 that sing about festivals. Classic festival-related tunes (21–30)
Cosmic Festival: The Great RevolutionFES☆TIVE
This is a FES☆TIVE song that captures the exhilaration of Japanese festivals.
It features a grand theme inspired by a festival on a cosmic scale, aiming to energize listeners.
With striking electronic elements and a catchy melody, it has an appeal that transcends the boundaries of J-pop.
Released in January 2024 as their 17th single, it was offered in three versions.
It’s a perfect pick when you want to feel that festival vibe or need a boost of energy.
Combined with FES☆TIVE’s high-powered performance, it maximizes the excitement at live shows and events.
Happy Summer FestivalTEMPURA KIDZ
This is a song by the dance-vocal unit TEMPURA KIDZ that sings about festivals.
The cute, catchy lyrics set to a sparkling sound create a distinctly pop impression.
While the lyrics and music video are inspired by Japanese festivals, the track’s use of electro sounds also gives it the feel of an overseas parade.
It’s an uptempo, fun, and lively song!
Let's enjoy Japanese festival songs! Songs about festivals. Famous festival-related songs (31–40)
Summer FestivalInoue Yosui
Included on Yosui Inoue’s second album, “Yosui II: Sentimental,” released in 1972, is the song “Natsu Matsuri” (“Summer Festival”).
The album was recorded in London and reached No.
10 on the Oricon album chart.
Festivals usually evoke a cheerful, bright image, but “Natsu Matsuri” is a dark-sounding number that makes extensive use of minor chords.
It sings about memories of going to a festival with his younger sister, yet it exudes an unsettling atmosphere.
Festival preparationsgagaga supi
Festivals aren’t just fun on the day itself—the preparation is exciting too, right? And nothing stirs up that feeling more than “Matsuri no Junbi” (“Festival Preparations”), released by Gagaga SP in 2004.
The song tells the earnest story of developing a crush while getting ready for a school festival, to the point where you start thinking, “Forget the actual day—I wish this preparation period could go on forever.” For attendees, the festival day is what matters most, but for the people creating it, there’s a whole drama before and after.
Why not let this song inspire you to find a heart‑pounding romance that makes both the preparations and the big day even more fun?
Arale-chan Ondo
This is a bon odori song that reflects the brightness of the anime Dr.
Slump Arale-chan.
Its tempo perfectly matches the energetic characters, and the playful sound creates a fun atmosphere.
With lots of choreography you’ll want to imitate and catchy call-and-response shouts, it makes kids eager to jump in and dance.
The structure further heightens the festive excitement, letting you fully enjoy the lively mood.
It’s easy for children unfamiliar with the original work to enjoy, and it’s a song that naturally brings smiles as you dance.
It delivers a joyful festival experience that blends the anime’s world with music.
Festival Ninjaninja
When it comes to summer in Japan, festivals are surely an essential element.
They’re precious spaces where everyone—from children to adults—can have fun.
This is one of Ninja’s signature songs that seems to capture the lively atmosphere of festivals and the excitement of the people who spend time there.
The unique lyrics portray the way of life of someone who loves festivals, and the determination to never stop celebrating no matter what happens conveys not only a carefree mood but also a heartfelt devotion to the festival itself.
The light, airy sound further amplifies the all-out commitment depicted in the lyrics, making it a boisterous, vibrant track.
Festival SongToba Ichirō
The single released by Ichiro Toba in 1985 is “Matsuri Uta.” What the protagonist—who has left his hometown to live away, leaving friends and a lover behind—remembers are the “festival songs” sung at his hometown festival and the “sound of the drums.” The lyrics also convey the protagonist’s determination that he cannot return until he makes his mark.
The chorus incorporates festival-themed sounds, and Toba’s powerful vocals make a strong impression.
Nasushiobara appears in the lyrics, making it a song with deep ties for those living in Tochigi Prefecture.