Popular Festival Song Rankings [2026]

Hurray for the festival!kururi36rank/position

Hurray for the festival!

Quruli, a rock band that represents Kyoto.

This irresistibly catchy song, “Omatsuri Wasshoi,” sticks with you after just one listen and is included on Quruli’s sixth album, “NIKKI,” released in 2005.

Speaking of festivals, you think of mikoshi portable shrines—and the chant shouted while carrying them, “wasshoi,” appears throughout the lyrics, amping up the festive mood.

It conveys the exhilaration of a festival, while also capturing that inexpressible, slightly chaotic feeling unique to such occasions.

Once you hear it, you’ll find it stuck in your head and catch yourself humming along, for sure (lol).

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utatane

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Aoba Castle Love Songsatou muneyuki37rank/position

Aoba Castle Love Song

This song, Masayuki Sato’s major-label debut, was released as a single in May 1978 and became a smash hit, selling over one million copies and earning him the New Artist Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It vividly conjures images of Sendai’s beautiful cityscape and the flow of the Hirose River, and can be called a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

The lyrics portray the aching feelings of someone thinking of a loved one, leaving a poignant afterglow reminiscent of the quiet that follows a lively summer festival.

It was once used as the departure melody at JR Sendai Station, so many people may have heard it before.

If you enjoy lyrical songs that evoke the timeless scenery of Japan, or if you want to bask in gently nostalgic summer memories, this is a piece you should definitely listen to.

Smile Ondoyuzu38rank/position

Smile Ondo

Just hearing the intro, buzzing like a festive hayashi, instantly transports you to the lively bustle of a summer festival—Yuzu has crafted just such a song.

Included on the mini-album “Yuzu Smile,” released in July 2003, it overflows with a charm that puts a smile on everyone’s face.

The sound of Japanese taiko drums and spirited calls ring out, conjuring scenes of people of all ages forming a circle and dancing.

In the lyrics, bonds that span generations, gratitude for everyday life, and a warm wish for a peaceful world are sung alongside the joyful atmosphere of a festival.

This mini-album reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It also includes “Mata Aeru Hi Made,” the ending theme for the anime Doraemon, making it a work the whole family can enjoy.

Perfect for summer events—and for those times you need a boost—listening to it will naturally bring a smile to your face.

festivalKetsumeishi39rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Matsuri” – Tried singing it (original key)

Ketsumeishi’s “Matsuri” is a fusion of Tsugaru shamisen and hip-hop.

It was included as the B-side to the 2010 single “O Futari Summer.” The lyrics powerfully spotlight traditional Japanese festivals—dance, mikoshi, and music.

The sharp, taut tones born from the intense Tsugaru shamisen performance intertwine with the rap on top, and the result is incredibly cool.

The lyrics, which seem to embody the spirit of Japanese men and Yamato Nadeshiko, are energizing to listen to.

It’s perfect for enjoying a powerful summer festival, so definitely give it a listen!

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Hamada Takuya

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summer festivalSuga Shikao40rank/position

Shikao Suga Summer Festival

There are probably more people than you’d expect who’ve been lazing their way through summer vacation and didn’t even realize there was a summer festival today.

The perfect festival song for folks like that is Shikao Suga’s “Natsu Matsuri.” It’s included on the 1999 single “Amai Kajitsu.” The lyrics depict waking up in the early evening just as the real festivities are about to start, and simply watching the lively festival outside from inside the house.

It’s a track that captures a languid summer moment—feeling like you kind of want to go, but also don’t really care either way.

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SAKI

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National Sake-Drinking Festival Song of Japanbarakūda41rank/position

Nationwide Drinkers' Ondo (with Nico Nico Douga comments)

The lyrics, which use any excuse to drink, are shocking.

Released in 1976, this track is notable for the way it lifts your spirits just by listening.

The song’s prototype comes from “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” the musical number in Disney’s film Cinderella.

Kawachi Otoko-bushiNakamura Mitsuko42rank/position

Mitsuko Nakamura’s Enka Exercise – Kawachi Otoko Bushi

When it comes to signature songs by Mitsuko Nakamura, an enka singer from Higashi-Osaka, “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” tops the list.

Released as a single in 1989, it’s especially popular in the Kansai region.

It’s an enka number that incorporates the rhythm of the Kawachi Ondo and is often used for Bon Odori dances.

In 2008, voice actress and singer Nana Mizuki covered “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” at an event, and the performance was included on the limited-edition DVD of her album ULTIMATE DIAMOND.

If you head out to a summer festival, be sure to join the Bon Odori and listen to see if “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” comes on!

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Hamada Takuya

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