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A classic song themed around a summer festival. A song of summer memories (2026).

When you think of summer, it’s the season of summer festivals and fireworks.

Hearing the festival music brings back happy memories, and those who love festivals might feel their excitement bubbling up.

In this article, we’ll introduce songs themed around summer festivals and fireworks, as well as tunes that capture summer memories.

From lively, boisterous tracks that embody the fun of festivals to beautiful, fleeting songs about a bittersweet summer romance, these recommendations are full of summer vibes.

If you’re looking for festival songs or summer-themed tracks, or want to listen to songs about summer festivals, be sure to check them out!

[2026] Masterpieces themed around summer festivals: Songs of summer memories (71–80)

Raging Taiko Drum ~Including ‘Outlaw for Life’~Sakamoto Fuyumi

With its soul-stirring taiko drums and Fuyumi Sakamoto’s powerful vocals, this track hits with overwhelming intensity.

Released in March 1987, the song marked her brilliant debut, sweeping numerous newcomer awards, and can rightly be called a masterpiece in enka history.

The lyrics, set against quintessential Japanese scenes like life’s resolve and Kyoto’s Gion summer festival, portray a man’s way of living as if his very soul were ablaze—igniting the listener’s heart.

Re-recorded in September 2008 with a subtitle, it has become indispensable in her live performances and enjoys passionate support.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel the exhilaration of a festival and a passion rising from deep within.

Tanabata DanceShimakura Chiyoko

It’s a song that vividly brings to life the scenes of Sendai’s Tanabata Festival through Chiyoko Shimakura’s singing voice! This work wonderfully portrays the bustle and splendor of Japan’s summer festivals and is beloved locally as a Bon Odori standard.

The lyrics vividly depict a cheerful circle of dancers in yukata under the starry sky, fans in hand, the beautiful scenery of Aoba Castle and the Hirose River, and the romance of Tanabata.

The song was released in July 1962, when Shimakura was 24.

Its folk-style melody and folk-dance-like rhythm make your heart dance just by listening! It’s recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the good old Japanese summer or bask in the warm atmosphere of a festival.

Let’s dance, Ondo!

This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.

The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.

The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.

With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.

The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.

A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.

Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.

Ghost Fireworks Ondo

[Professional Dancers Perform!] Ghost Fireworks Bon Dance
Ghost Fireworks Ondo

“Ghost Fireworks Ondo” captures a fun, summery vibe.

Its unique world where friendly ghosts appear blends with lively images of fireworks, unfolding in ways that spark children’s imaginations.

The music layers sounds like drums and flutes, clearly evoking the atmosphere of a Bon dance.

The singing is approachable, with vivid expression that seems to breathe life into the ghosts.

The dance choreography is easy to pick up, making it useful for preschools and local summer events.

Combining playfulness with a seasonal feel, this piece is the perfect ondo for summer festivals.

Genki Ondo

Genki Ondo / Okaasan to Issho / Hand Play
Genki Ondo

It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.

Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.

The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.

Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.

The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.

Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.

Arale-chan Ondo

Arale-chan Ondo rec Bon dance Midori/Noryo Bon Odori Festival 2023-07-15
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.

Ultraman Ondo

It’s a fun number that mixes the world of tokusatsu heroes with the rhythm of bon odori.

The presence of Ultraman—familiar to everyone—overlaps with the music and captures children’s hearts.

Adding choreography to the “signature pose” lines in the lyrics makes it easy to enjoy even for first-time festival-goers.

The drums and percussion in the background evoke the feeling of summer and bring liveliness to the whole track.

The vocals are dynamic, with clear shifts between sections that make it thoroughly engaging to listen to.

It’s highly recommended not only for kids who love Ultraman, but also for anyone in the mood to soak up a festive atmosphere.