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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Classic and standard Japanese songs about rice cake pounding (11–20)
A gentle cityŌta Hiromi
Originally released in 1979 as the B-side to the single “Glass no Sedai,” this song is a piece composed by Hiromi Ota herself.
It gently paints a picture of December in Tsukishima, a downtown neighborhood, alive with the lively sound of pounding mochi.
Time spent alone under the kotatsu, interactions with the elderly neighbor next door, the everyday act of heading to the post office to send New Year’s cards—woven quietly into these unassuming winter scenes is the protagonist’s faint sense of loneliness.
Why not give it a listen while enjoying mochi over the New Year holidays?
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.
Miyajima Mochi-Pounding Song
This is a traditional folk song from Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, sung during New Year mochi pounding.
It has two parts—the kneading song and the pounding song—and marks the rhythm of mochi making with shamisen accompaniment.
The lyrics weave in words like “crane,” “turtle,” and “Japanese white pine,” symbols of longevity and prosperity, conveying a warm celebration of auspicious occasions.
It is performed annually at the Iwamura household on December 24 and at the local deity festival on October 15, and is cherished by the community.
How about listening to this piece when you enjoy mochi pounding with family and friends for New Year’s or the Harvest Moon (Jūgoya)?
Esashi Mochitsuki Hayashimin’yō
This is a mochi-pounding chant from Esashi in Hokkaido.
In the old days, it was sung by young fishermen.
At the homes of bosses who treated them well throughout the year, they would sing to pray for good harvests and big catches.
For those who didn’t treat them so well, they would use the song as a pretext to ransack the house.
It’s an interesting folk song whose content varies by location.
Worldwide Wah!FES☆TIVE
This song by FES☆TIVE features an energetic, festival-like sound and lyrics full of humor.
It’s included on the single “Cosmic Festival Great Revolution,” released in January 2024, and was also performed at their solo concert at TOKYO DOME CITY HALL in September of the same year.
It’s a hyper, high-tension dance track with a Japanese flair—perfect for boosting your mood!
Project: Turn All Humanity into Rabbits!Usada Pekora
The song announced by Usada Pekora in January 2023 is a catchy pop track with a unique theme of “turning all humanity into rabbits.” It features an up-tempo melody and playful lyrics, packed with elements that entertain listeners.
Usada promoted the release through various activities, including a collaboration shop with Marui.
In December of the same year, she also held a solo concert at Ariake Arena, where she performed the song.
With its bright, uplifting message, it’s recommended for anyone looking for an energy boost.
Classic and standard Japanese songs about rice-cake pounding (21–30)
mochi poundingNakata Yoshinao
When you think of mochi, you probably picture something you eat at New Year’s.
In most households, mochi is something you buy at the supermarket, but there are also places where people pound mochi at the end of the year with relatives, neighbors, or friends.
The children’s song “Mochitsuki,” which depicts that scene, is a fun and easy-to-understand tune even for little kids.
Even children who’ve never experienced mochi pounding will likely think, “It would be so fun if we could make mochi at home!”
