[Hinamatsuri Songs] A roundup of classic Girls’ Day tunes and unexpected Hinamatsuri tracks
March 3 is Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival, when we pray for girls’ healthy growth.
Because it coincides with the season when peach blossoms bloom in the old lunar calendar, it is also called the “Peach Festival.” Speaking of Hinamatsuri songs, the children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is famous.
Many people might not be able to think of any others, but in fact, there are more songs that celebrate Hinamatsuri.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of Hinamatsuri songs.
If “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” is the only one you know, take this opportunity to give the others a listen.
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[Hinamatsuri Songs] A roundup of classic tunes for the Peach Festival and unexpected Hinamatsuri tracks (1–10)
The Five-Musician Band Song
When it comes to Hinamatsuri, the main stars are the hina dolls, but why not also pay attention to the lively Gonin Bayashi who brighten the scene around them? Composed by Akira Yuyama, this piece is a cheerful festive song that introduces children to a five-member ensemble modeled after the hayashikata of Noh theater in an easy-to-understand way.
Its light rhythm and traditional Japanese atmosphere blend harmoniously, giving it a brightness that makes you want to start moving.
This song is also beloved as a standard at Hinamatsuri events in nursery schools and kindergartens.
It’s easy to learn in a short time and may be the perfect way for children to get a taste of Japan’s traditional culture.
Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day)Monbushō shōka
While the so-called “yo-na-nuki” pentatonic scale-based ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ has a somewhat wistful melody, this ‘Hinamatsuri’ features a bright tone that lets you easily imagine children singing joyfully—a hallmark of a Hinamatsuri song.
It’s not a widely known piece, and many readers may be learning of its existence for the first time through this article.
It’s well known that the lyrics of ‘Ureshii Hinamatsuri’ were written with a mistaken understanding of the ‘O-dairi-sama,’ but please also note that the ‘Hinamatsuri’ discussed here follows the arrangement of the traditional hina display in its lyrics.
Mini Moni. Hinamatsuri!Minimoni.
Mini Moni Hina Matsuri!, a celebration of Girls’ Day (Hinamatsuri), is a unique song delivered by the female idol group Mini Moni.
Composed by Tsunku♂ and arranged by Takao Konishi, the track celebrates girls’ growth and dreams, spotlighting the fun of Hinamatsuri with Mini Moni’s signature playfulness.
Its refrains and energetic phrases are easy to enjoy, making it a piece for the whole family.
Sing it together as a parent and child, and your Hinamatsuri celebration will be even more festive!
Doll FestivalSakushi: Saitou Nobuo, Sakkyoku: Kainuma Minoru
Depending on the region and generation you grew up in, some of you may recall a Hinamatsuri song from childhood called “Ohina Matsuri,” which is the piece discussed in this article.
This “Ohina Matsuri” was composed by Minoru Kainuma, founder of the Otowa Yurikago Choir—considered Japan’s oldest children’s choir—and a prolific children’s songwriter known for works that have stayed in many Japanese people’s hearts, such as “Mikan no Hana Saku Oka.” The lyrics were written by Nobuo Saito.
There also appears to be an existing record sung by Takako Kawada, a children’s singer who, along with her sister, was active in the postwar era.
If you’re interested, please look it up.
Peperoncino Candysōtaisei riron
Formed in 2006 around Shuichi Manabe, known for his work with Vampillia and Shudan Kodo, Soutaiseiriron is a band and project that has continued to operate in a DIY manner while presenting a unique musicality in Japan’s indie scene since the late 2000s, featuring distinctive artists like vocalist Etsuko Yakushimaru.
“Peperoncino Candy,” included on their classic third album Synchroniciteen released in 2010, is a deceptively cute pop song whose twisted sensibility makes it a delight, and in fact the lyrics even include the word “Hinamatsuri” (Girls’ Day).
At the same time, it’s not necessarily a Hinamatsuri song per se; its lyrics have an ineffable, mysterious quality.
That’s exactly why it might be fun to listen to it on March 3 as a curveball Hinamatsuri tune!