Oni Out, Fortune In: A roundup of J-pop you’ll want to listen to during Setsubun
Setsubun, a seasonal tradition long cherished as a hallmark of February.
From bean-throwing to eating ehomaki, it’s an event that lets you fully savor the feeling of the season.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of Japanese songs themed around Setsubun to make this fun event even livelier! We’ve picked a variety of tracks, from cute tunes you can sing with little kids to J-pop numbers that feature motifs like oni (ogres) and fuku (good fortune).
You’re sure to find a song that will add even more color to your seasonal festivities!
Oni Out, Fortune In: Japanese Songs to Hear on Setsubun — Recommended J‑Pop Picks (1–10)
We’ll take care of the demon here.Shinzawa Toshihiko
“Oni wa Uchi de Hikiuketa” by Toshihiko Niizawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa is a song full of surprise and kindness that proposes welcoming the disliked oni (ogre) into the home.
Although it’s known as the title track of the January 2007 release in the “12 Months of Songs” series—February: Oni wa Uchi de Hikiuketa—it has in fact been a beloved classic in preschools and childcare settings since the 1990s.
Set to a light waltz, its warm worldview turns fear into laughter, which is part of its charm.
This piece beautifully complements Setsubun bean-throwing festivities at schools and at home—why not sing it together as a family?
NIPPONDONGROSSO
DONGROSSO, a collaboration between Shinichi Osawa of MONDO GROSSO and the rap duo Dongurizu, sublimates Japanese traditions and culture into dance music through their own unique lens.
This track is a distinctive piece that, over a minimal techno beat, repeatedly riffs on “Japanese” elements—New Year’s, Setsubun, seasonal events, and even food culture.
Its charm lies in letting you sway your body while savoring the sound of the words.
Perfect for when you want to spend a Setsubun that’s a little out of the ordinary!
Ehomaki, yum!gaagaaS
Ehomaki has become firmly established as a Setsubun feast, and gaagaaS, a kids’ music unit, has turned that delicious good-luck food into a fun play song.
With the cute “amu” motion as the cue for taking a bite, this piece lets you get excited with singing and gestures.
It has a pastoral feel that warms your heart as you listen.
If you want to face the year’s lucky direction together as a parent and child and share smiles, why not try playing along with this song?
Song of the Ehomakiichigo kurabu
This is an original song by the music unit Ichigo Club.
Taking the Ehomaki, a staple of the Setsubun tradition, as its theme, it’s designed so everyone can enjoy the act of facing the year’s lucky direction and taking a big bite.
Packed with playful spirit in a short run time, it’s appealing not only to listen to but also to get moving and have fun with.
Why not face the lucky direction with the whole family—or at a preschool event, for example—and pretend to take a big chomp to this song?
From the demonZa・Omedeta-zu
Have you ever thought about how the “oni,” the targets of bean-throwing, might feel? Released in January 2025 by The Omedeta’s, a collective that celebrates everyday life, this track offers a unique take on Setsubun from the demon’s point of view! It transforms the unfairness and sorrow of being pelted with beans into an unexpectedly happy hip-hop groove.
You can’t help but chuckle at the oni bravely facing a senseless tradition.
This Setsubun, why not play this song, dance together with the person playing the oni, and turn up the fun?
Demon, Demon, Demonmegamegami
Released in March 2020, this work is an intense number that fuses a fierce rock sound with a theatrical worldview.
As the title—three instances of the character for “oni” (demon)—suggests, it features spell-like phrases that seem to summon the uncanny and a rousing rhythm that whips listeners into a frenzy.
I love how it hits your ears and mind with a solid punch! It’s a fiery piece that might even make the hand tossing beans start moving like it’s headbanging.
Pancakes in HellUesaka Sumire
Sung by Sumire Uesaka, this pop tune is included on her 2018 album “No Future Vacances.” It was used as the ending theme for the anime “Hozuki’s Coolheadedness,” which humorously portrays the denizens of hell.
The playful mismatch between the frightening setting of “hell” and the sweet treat of “pancakes” is delightful, unfolding a worldview where bite and cuteness coexist.
While Setsubun customarily involves driving out ogres by scattering beans, listening to this song—where cheerful oni spring to mind—might just make you want to sit down with the person playing the ogre and share some sweets together.