Have you ever heard of Bon Odori, one of the most famous Japanese festivals?
This beloved Japanese summer tradition has recently taken on a new trend that is fast gaining popularity. In this article, we will cover the latest news on traditional “Bon Odori” and review this year’s festivals and their interesting soundtracks.
Summer is the time for Bon Odori! What are the “Three Great Bon Odori Festivals of Japan”?
Everyone, whether young or old, male or female, can easily participate in Bon Odori. This traditional custom, in which everyone dances together around a straw float, is said to have originated about 1,000 years ago. The three most famous Bon Odori festivals in Japan are “Nishimonai Bon Odori” in Akita Prefecture, which is designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural asset, “Gujo Odori” in Gifu Prefecture, where dancing is performed for more than 30 nights in a row, including four days of all-night dancing, and the famous “Awa Odori” in Tokushima Prefecture. However, even aside from these three particular festivals, there are many other chances to take part in Bon Odori throughout Japan, from small neighborhood festivals to grand scale wonders.
From classic songs to anime songs! A variety of Bon Odori songs to liven up the crowds!
The standard songs played at Bon Odori include “Tokyo Ondo,” which is also used as a cheering song by the J-League soccer team, FC Tokyo, and the professional baseball team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. “Tanko Bushi”, which originated in Fukuoka Prefecture, is also another popular hit. Many Bon Odori festivals also play traditional songs as well as anime songs for children, such as “Doraemon”. The festival atmosphere gets even more exciting when a popular soundtrack is played at the venue!
An evolution of traditional culture! The new Bon Odori style taking young people by storm!
Do you know that there has been a change in Bon Odori music style in the past few years?
In order to further convey the fun of Bon Odori and to make it easier for more people to join in, pop music such as hits by the popular idol group AKB48 and world-famous Japanese band YOASOBI are now being used, creating an entertaining fusion of the old and the new. The Bon Odori dance itself is not at all difficult, so visitors to Japan are welcome to dance along with the music.
The latest popular Bon Odori song for 2024 is “OBORO"!
FUN! JAPAN's recommended song to watch for at Bon Odori this year is “OBORO”!
The singer SERINA graduated from a popular vocal group in July 2022 and relaunched as a solo singer in September 2023. The song was immediately a hit at the Bon Odori summer festival held in Tokyo in July 2024, creating a huge buzz in the audience!
So what do you think?
Are you ready to participate in Bon Odori at a festival when you come to Japan?
■ 「OBORO」
Download here
https://serina.lnk.to/OBORO
■ SERINA official website
https://serina-official.com/
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