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 (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.
Rabbit mochi pounding
If you’re looking for a hand game song to play with small children, how about this one? Speaking of the moon, people have long said you can see a pattern that looks like a rabbit pounding mochi.
This children’s song is based on that idea.
In pairs, you clap to the rhythm of the song and slip your hand between your partner’s two hands.
Since timing is important, it’s a great opportunity to teach children how to interact with others.
Give it a try with a smile, and have fun!
Kami-Ochiai Mochitsuki Song
This is a rice-pounding song passed down in the Kamiochiai area, which has been designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Shinjuku Ward.
It used to be sung in Kamiochiai when making rice cakes for New Year’s and for storage, and is now sung by a preservation society during the monthly rice-pounding at Tsukimioka Hachiman Shrine.
Centered on gratitude for safely completing the year, it expresses wishes for the continued prosperity of the community and hopes for long life.
The melody is relaxed, the lyrics have five verses, and the song begins with the first strikes of the mochi pounding; by the time the song ends, the mochi is finished.
Aizu Mochitsuki Song
This is the Aizu Mochitsuki Song, the version sung at the public hall in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture.
It was born from a custom in which a married couple pounds mochi together, expressing the wish to live in mutual support forever and never be separated.
It has been recorded on CD, sung by the folk singer Masao Suzuki.