Popular Festival Song Rankings [2026]

festivalKitajima Saburō43rank/position

Festival Saburo Kitajima

When it comes to festival songs, this is the one that instantly pops into many people’s minds.

“Matsuri,” one of Japan’s most iconic festival songs and a signature track by Saburo Kitajima, was released in 1984.

It has been performed numerous times on NHK’s New Year’s Eve program Kōhaku Uta Gassen and is nationally famous as a song that has even closed the show.

It’s a straightforward festival song infused with the original spirit of Japanese festivals: venerating the gods of the mountains and sea and praying for bountiful harvests and big catches.

Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals make it a song that gives energy to people all across Japan.

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utatane

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Tokyo OndoKouta Katsutarou44rank/position

Kouta Katsutaro; Tokyo Ondo

Speaking of that familiar cheer that begins with “Haaah,” it’s Tokyo Ondo.

Even if you don’t really know the choreography, it’s the kind of song that makes you feel like breaking into a little dance.

It’s also well known as a fight song for the Tokyo Swallows professional baseball team.

Even when it rains, it’s fun to raise and lower your umbrella while listening to Tokyo Ondo.

Gion Festival OndoShimakura Chiyoko45rank/position

Gion Festival Ondo — Chiyoko Shimakura / Hideo Yamagata

An indispensable song for Kyoto’s Bon Odori is Gion Festival Ondo.

It’s also used during the Gion Festival, Kyoto’s major summer event, and incorporates the festival’s distinctive chant, “Konkonchikichin.” Released in 1957 as a locally sold record available only in Kyoto, it’s a duet by Chiyoko Shimakura and Hideo Yamagata.

For those living in Kyoto, it’s a familiar tune; for those who once lived there, it’s a nostalgic sound.

Be sure to visit the Gion Festival and listen to Gion Festival Ondo!

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Hamada Takuya

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Festival FrenzyToukyou Jihen46rank/position

The Carnival

It’s a captivating Tokyo Jihen track that captures the full joy of a summer festival.

The powerful rhythm and funk-tinged sound leave a strong impression, while Ringo Sheena’s distinctive lyrical world unfolds.

Included on the album “Education,” released in November 2004, it stands as a song that symbolizes the band’s early musical identity.

It delicately portrays the feeling of enjoying a special day that breaks away from the everyday, letting you fully savor the festive atmosphere.

It’s perfect for listening at summer’s end and is also recommended whenever you want to get into a festival mood.

Ephemeral FireworksKami wa saikoro o furanai47rank/position

God Doesn't Play Dice “Ephemeral Fireworks” [Official Lyric Video]

This song by Kami wa Saikoro wo Furanai evokes a deep sense of longing, as if capturing the memory of a sweltering summer night and fireworks that vanish in an instant.

The sound, marked by an ethereal floating quality centered on the piano’s tone, leaves a strong impression and further conveys fragility and wistfulness.

The lyrics, which depict a love tied to summer fireworks, are especially striking; they poignantly express the emotions accompanying each episode as the memories are recalled in detail.

Like fireworks that flare brightly for only a moment, the song carries a painful atmosphere that conveys memories that have slipped away and the regret that follows.

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kappamaki

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Hakata Yamakasa Women’s SongNagayama Yōko48rank/position

Yoko Nagayama - Hakata Yamakasa Onnabushi

This is a song by Yoko Nagayama that lets you feel the excitement of a Japanese festival.

The theme is a traditional festival in Hakata, conveying the festival’s grandeur and the passion of its participants.

Released in February 2011, the track blends elements of enka and pop.

Nagayama’s characteristically powerful vocals are striking, making it feel as if the festival’s vibrant energy has been turned directly into music.

It’s perfect not only when you want to get into a festive mood, but also when you want to experience Japan’s traditional culture.

Even those unfamiliar with Hakata’s festivals can sense their appeal through this song.

DB Ondo49rank/position

DB Ondo [DB Comedian]

It might be especially popular with boys! It’s a Bon Odori song created by a gathering of the many Dragon Ball comedians.

You’ll see it in the video, but the characters are basically jam-packed and all over the place.

The lyrics are full of references you’ll get if you’ve seen the original manga or the anime series.

So not only kids, but parents, too, might enjoy it.

We hope you and your children have a fun, smile-filled time dancing together!

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Araki Jakkan

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