Classic and standard Japanese songs celebrating mochi pounding
When you think of New Year’s or the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, some people might picture mochi.
During the New Year, many households display kagami-mochi and have plenty of chances to eat mochi, and around moon-viewing season, there’s even the saying that rabbits are pounding mochi on the moon.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of songs related to mochi! From songs that sing about mochi, to hand-play songs themed around mochi pounding, and even folk songs about mochi that have long been rooted in local regions—we’ll cover it all.
Take this opportunity to give them a listen.
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Top 10 classic and standard Japanese songs about mochi pounding (1–10)
Homesick Snow CountryChiba Genta
This song, released in December 2018 by enka singer Genta Chiba, is the concluding piece of his trilogy about longing for home.
The lyrics are by Yukio Chiba, the music by Hajime Miyasako, and the arrangement by Masakane Tsuta.
It warmly portrays the hearth shared with mother and siblings in a northern hometown, along with the comforting flavors of aunkoro mochi (sweet red bean rice cakes), miso soup, and nikorogashi (simmered potatoes).
The track is also included on the January 2021 album ‘Kansha no Wadachi’ (Tracks of Gratitude).
It’s a must-listen for anyone who cherishes memories of family and a deep affection for their hometown.
Bread PandaYokoyama Yuu/Maruyama Ryuhei (Kanjani Eight)
An adorable song set in a fantastical world where twin pandas go on a journey in search of food.
It’s a unit song by Hiroshi Yokoyama and Ryuhei Maruyama, included on the regular edition of the album “FIGHT,” released in November 2011.
Lyrics by AMO and composition by Hidenori Tanaka.
The pop, light melody and gentle harmonies are soothing, and just listening to it will warm your heart.
Recommended for those looking for a song to enjoy with children!
Gohei Mochi of Yoki from HidaMizutani Chieko
Released in November 2017, this song features a character named Yokichi, who goes around selling gohei-mochi, a specialty of the Hida region.
Yoshiki Mizuno of Ikimonogakari composed the music, with lyrics by Takeshi Kura.
The song portrays the sweetness and hardships of life by comparing them to ingredients like soy sauce, miso, walnuts, and sesame.
It also stands out for its structure, which blends catchy calls with an approachable melody—quintessential Mizutani, who aims to bridge enka and pop.
Be sure to savor its humor-filled lyrical world.
Classic and standard Japanese songs about rice cake pounding (11–20)
Mochi pounding, pettan-ko!Ichinomiya Michiko
The cute-sounding “Mochitsuki Pettanko” is a children’s song composed by Michiko Ichinomiya.
Its gentle melody and heartwarming lyrics bring to mind the rabbits pounding mochi on the moon.
These days, I think people make mochi like this less often, but we should preserve these charming, traditional customs.
I hope the custom of mochitsuki will continue to be enjoyed along with this song.
It’s also a great choice to play at mochitsuki events.
Lively winterBerryz Kōbō & Yaguchi Mari
Released in 2005 as the B-side to the single “Gag 100-kai bun Aishite Kudasai,” this song paints a lively picture of cozy family time in winter.
Featuring a retro Charleston-style sound, its bright vocals dance over a sprightly rhythm.
The lyrics depict a warm scene where everyone in the family is smiling.
Listen to it on bustling winter days filled with mochi pounding and New Year preparations, and it’s sure to leave your heart feeling toasty.
Kon the rabbitTAKAMICHI
A lyrical enka song that intertwines a snowbound winter scene with feelings for one’s family.
Released as a single by King Records in May 2000, it was chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Gokigenyō” from April to June 2000.
The song was created by a team of seasoned writers: lyrics by Tetsuya Chiaki, composition by Keisuke Hama, and arrangement by Mitsuo Hagita.
It sings of a mother’s figure vanishing into a blizzard and the aching sadness of waiting along a snowy road.
It’s a piece to savor when you want to reflect on memories of your hometown and the bonds with your family.
Moonlightkuzu
The debut single of Kuzu, a musical duo that sprang from a Fuji TV sketch show.
It’s a folk-style piece themed around a moonlit night.
Written and composed by Tomomitsu Yamaguchi, the song was inspired by the moment he looked up at the moon and features various moon-related motifs.
Released in November 2001, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts and was also included on the album “Kuzu Album.” Why not give it a listen while gazing at the moon during the harvest moon season, or while enjoying mochi at New Year?