RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

[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!

[Let’s Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs that sing about festivals. Classic festival-related tunes (21–30)

party peopleKetsumeishi

When you hear it’s a party song by Ketsumeishi, you know you’re guaranteed to get hyped! This track, “Party People,” released digitally in 2021, is a high-energy number that amps up the festival and party vibes.

The music video features Eiko Kano, and his wild performance—doing calligraphy right after skydiving—also became a hot topic.

It’s the ultimate festival anthem that makes your body move, makes you want to clap, and lifts you out of any slump.

Pokemon OndoKobayashi Sachiko

The fourth ending theme used in the Pokémon anime was “Pokémon Ondo.” It’s sung by Sachiko Kobayashi—an enka singer with deep ties to the Pokémon series—under the name “Kangaskhan Kobayashi,” and it was included as the B-side on the 1998 single “Trade Please.” “Pokémon Ondo” features many Pokémon and is a perfect fit for Bon Odori dances.

If you’re looking to add a fresh track to your Bon Odori music, how about “Pokémon Ondo”?

Let's enjoy Japanese festival songs! Songs about festivals. Famous festival-related songs (31–40)

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!

Festival preparationsgagaga supi

Gagaga SP “Preparation for the Festival” LIVE — 2014.03.09 @ Shibuya Chelsea Hotel
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?

Cosmic Festival: The Great RevolutionFES☆TIVE

FES☆TIVE “Cosmic Festival Great Revolution” MV (2024/1/24 Release) [4K]
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.

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.

Men’s Dream FestivalJinno Mika

It’s a classic enka song that powerfully captures the heat and excitement of a summer festival.

The lyrics celebrate the bravery of the men carrying the mikoshi and their passion for the festivities.

Vivid festival imagery like chest bindings (sarashi) and twisted headbands (hachimaki) leaves a strong impression.

Mika Shinno’s powerful vocals further amplify the festival’s vibrant energy.

Released in March 1991, the song was also included on the album “Otoko Yume Matsuri: Mika Shinno Best Hits” the same year.

It’s a perfect track not only for festival season, but also when you need a boost of energy.

Just listening to it makes your heart dance and your body start to move—such is the charm of this song.