Bon Odori festivals held in Osaka and Akita

Various Bon Odori events are scheduled across Japan, ranging from traditional dance gatherings to modern karaoke-style celebrations.

In Osaka, the ‘Bonntu Bon Odori 2026 Summer’ event was held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on August 15. The event, which grew out of the ‘Karaoke Bon Odori’ culture at the Yoshimoto Kogyo pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai Expo, featured comedians and special guest musician Sunplaza Nakano-kun. Nakano-kun performed hits such as ‘Runner’ and collaborated with comedian Yoshio Kojima on a special Bon Odori track. The event was led by performers including Razor Ramon RG and Fujisaki Market.

In Akita, a ‘Summer’s End Bon Odori’ and song show is scheduled for August 21 at the Akita Kenkyo Center Alve. The event will feature traditional dances alongside modern songs and a musical performance by singers Arube and Riku Kanzaki.