Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Summary of songs with the 'Momotaro' motif and tracks featuring peaches or ogres

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Momotaro, the classic tale of a boy who takes a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant with him to Oni Island to defeat the ogres.

It’s a beloved national folktale cherished by people of all ages.

In recent years, it even drew attention as the motif for a mobile phone company’s commercials.

This time, we’ve put together a selection of Japanese songs themed around Momotaro, as well as works featuring peaches and ogres.

In fact, Momotaro isn’t just a children’s song.

Be sure to read to the end—you might discover tracks you’ve never known before.

Songs with the 'Momotaro' motif: A roundup of tracks featuring peaches and demons (31–40)

Great Edo Adventure TaleZa Moppusu

Great Edo Adventure Tale mops lyrics by Kotaro Sankō, music by Hiro Kakuta, Kazuhiko Kato

Great Edo Adventure TaleZa Moppusu

This is a song whose lyrics feature folk tales like “Momotaro” and “Kintaro.” It’s by The Mops, a Group Sounds band active from the ’60s to the ’70s, and it was included on their 1972 album “The Mops and 16 Friends.” The sound has a nicely relaxed feel and is very easy on the ears.

The catchy mood of the melody and choral work is soothing, too.

Listening to a retro track like this now, I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds it feels more fresh than nostalgic.

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Momotaro MarchMisora Hibari

Momotaro March

Momotaro MarchMisora Hibari

This is the theme song for the film Expedition to Treasure Island, which was based on Momotaro.

It was sung by Hibari Misora, the Showa-era songstress known for many classics such as “Like the Flow of the River,” and was released as a single in 1956.

Misora also appears in the film itself.

True to its title, the song has a march-like feel that evokes nostalgia even if you’ve never heard it before.

The simple, direct message of the lyrics—something like “Go, Momotaro!”—also reflects the era.

Give it a listen while imagining what those times were like.

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Amazing Okayama!Katsuragi Yuki

Theme song “Monge Okayama!” Yuki Katsuragi

Amazing Okayama!Katsuragi Yuki

This song, sung by Yuki Katsuragi, a singer from Okayama Prefecture, is a local anthem tied to Momotaro’s homeland, Okayama.

“Mongee” is Okayama dialect for “amazing,” so the title means “Okayama is amazing!” Naturally, Momotaro appears in the lyrics.

It’s a cool track with a husky voice, overwhelming vocal power, and a rock-inspired style.

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In conclusion

When I gathered without distinction the songs that use Momotaro as their theme—the works that came to mind—this is how many there were.

It might be odd to call it “unexpected,” but I feel there are quite a few recent Japanese songs that treat the story of Momotaro properly as the original source.

Which suggests we might see more of that kind of work in the future!