Oni Out, Fortune In: A roundup of J-pop you’ll want to listen to during Setsubun

Song of the Ehomakiichigo kurabu

Song of the Ehomaki

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?

Pancakes in HellUesaka Sumire

Pancakes in Hell

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.

Ehomaki, yum!gaagaaS

[Hand Play • Setsubun] Ehōmaki Amuu / gaagaaS – Childcare, February, Ehōmaki, Play Song, Parenting, Children's Song

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?

Tokyo Shandy RendezvousMAISONdes

[239] [feat. KAF, Tsumiki] Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous / MAISONdes

Speaking of Setsubun, it has to be demons—so here’s a track from the classic anime Urusei Yatsura, featuring its cute demon-tribe heroine! Released under the music project MAISONdes, which is set in a fictional apartment, this song was created as the ending theme for the 2022 broadcast of the anime.

It became a major topic thanks to the collaboration between virtual singer KAF and Vocaloid producer Tsumiki.

The exhilarating sense of speed—like racing through neon-lit Tokyo nights—pairs perfectly with a faintly wistful melody.

Traditional bean-throwing is great, but why not put on a stylish, urban track like this for a change and enjoy a pop-tinged moment with the oni?

Zankyo SankaAimer

Aimer「Zankyosanka」MUSIC VIDEO（Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc Theme Song）

It’s a track marked by a voice that slices through the dark night and a bright, fast-paced sound.

It’s one of the signature songs by Aimer, a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her distinctive husky vocals.

The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.

The lyrics carry a strong resolve to overcome past struggles and choose the future by one’s own will.

Thanks to its uplifting energy, it’s also beloved as a cheer song for high school baseball.

Try listening to it while channeling Tanjiro and the others as they fight demons.

Oni-Slaying Ninja ScrollOnmyoza

Onikiri Ninja Chronicles: Live Version

Onmyo-za, who champion a one-of-a-kind genre they call Yokai Heavy Metal and perform ferocious sets in traditional Japanese attire, deliver the goods here.

Featured on their December 1999 album Kikoku Tensei, this track ignites the fighting spirit to battle demons.

Riding on a breakneck band sound, the lyrics vow not only to cut down the demons attacking from without, but also to sever the demons lurking within one’s own heart.

It goes beyond a simple monster-slaying tale, moving you with its resolve to face one’s own weaknesses.

It’s a perfect self-empowerment anthem when you want to accomplish something!

Even hell’s judgment depends on you.Jigoku no Sata Ōruzutāzu

Even hell’s judgment depends on you.

Jigoku no Sata All Stars’ “Jigoku no Sata mo Kimi Shidai” lets you enjoy a cheerful hellish life to the rhythms of ska and bon odori.

Released in February 2014, it was used as the opening theme for season 1 of the TV anime Hozuki’s Coolheadedness.

Over the lively sound crafted by the instrumental band YOUR SONG IS GOOD, the main characters sing comically in a festive, party-like number.

It’s irresistibly catchy—once you hear it, it sticks in your head and is sure to get your body moving!