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.
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
- [Masterpieces Singing the Full Moon] Carefully Selected Popular and Classic Songs Related to the Moon
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- [February 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- [Moon Songs Special] Famous songs about the moon. Songs you’ll want to listen to under a full moon or in the moonlight.
- Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
- Parody Versions of the Children's Song “Oshōgatsu” | Hilarious and Not-So-Hilarious!? Check Out the Shocking Lyrics!
- Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
- [2026] Get Everyone Pumped! Fun and Funny Songs That Kill at Drinking Parties
Classic and standard Japanese songs about rice-cake pounding (31–40)
Mochi Affection!Kitashirakawa Tamako (Suzaki Aya)
This is a track included on the character song album from the 2013 TV anime Tamako Market.
The anime’s protagonist, Tamako Kitashirakawa, is the daughter of a mochi shop owner, and her mochi-making skills are top-notch.
She often uses mochi as a metaphor for things and is a mochi-loving high school girl who is always coming up with various “mochi ideas.” “Omochi Affection!” is a cute song overflowing with Tamako’s love for mochi.
From ozoni to sakura mochi, kuzumochi, and mame daifuku, it depicts enjoying mochi all year round—so much that it makes you want to run out and buy some yourself.
Moon-Viewing Counting SongSenya (CV: Satou Satomi)
A heartwarming number that charmingly sings of the elegance of moon-viewing.
This piece was included in “Is the Order a Rabbit?? Birthday Song Series 06,” released in September 2019.
Set on a long autumn night, it features scenes of making moon-viewing dumplings and calling out to the rabbit on the moon—its adorable worldview is part of its appeal.
And Chiya’s voice actress, Satomi Satō, delivers such a gentle vocal performance that it warms the listener’s heart.
Savor the season with this song.
Wonderful cultureAbe Yuma
Mochitsuki, the traditional Japanese rice-cake pounding deeply connected to New Year’s and the moon-viewing festival, is the theme of this song that celebrates the beauty of that culture.
Included on the album “Fantasia,” the track was released in June 2021.
It portrays the bonds formed through mochitsuki and the joy of taking action together.
True to Abe’s style, it features simple, heartfelt melodies that flow naturally.
It might even make you think, “Maybe it’s time to try mochitsuki again.”
Banzai for kagami mochi!Murayama Yukiko
This song that plays at supermarkets at the end of the year—some of you might be thinking, “I’ve heard this before!” It’s an original track produced by the Japan Kagami Mochi Association, which promotes the offering of kagami mochi.
On the association’s website, they share not only New Year’s content but also various rituals and traditions related to kagami mochi.
The song itself is very bright, has a great tempo, and is super catchy—honestly addictive (lol).
Once you hear it, you can kind of sing along the next time… it’s the kind of tune that loops in your head.
Delicious ways to enjoy leftover mochimachi akari
This song is about ways to use up leftover mochi.
It’s included on the album “Akari Oneesan no Niko-Niko Henna Uta,” released in September 2019.
The unique lyrics and melody leave a strong impression.
It introduces various dishes made with mochi, but in the end, you can’t finish them and get tired of it—that’s the story.
The jazzy style and Akari Machi’s mature vocals that express this are, in a sense, chaotic.
If you’re looking for unusual music, give it a listen.
Classic and standard Japanese songs about rice-cake pounding (41–50)
Usagimicchōtokkyū
It’s a humorous dance tune starring a rabbit.
The track is by Bullet Train (Chotokkyu) and was released in July 2022.
The lively rhythm and lyrics depict a rabbit bouncing through space.
The frequent use of onomatopoeia is striking, and the irresistibly cool, high-energy soundscape is fantastic.
Its whimsical, fantastical world will whisk you away from everyday life.
Perfect for when you want to feel upbeat.
Pettan Moonlit Mochi PoundingDōno Masaaki
This song, “Pettan Tsukiyo no Omochitsuki” (Thump-Thump Moonlit Mochi Pounding), is a cute children’s tune that’s perfect for the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival season.
Speaking of the moon, there’s that story about rabbits pounding mochi on the moon, right? This song depicts those rabbits making mochi up there.
Try listening to it with your child during moon-viewing, saying things like, “If you look at the moon, you might really see a rabbit!” It’s also perfect for school performances and recitals, and it’s sure to become a lively number with lots of adorable rabbits.