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!
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- [Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
“Demons Out, Good Fortune In”: Japanese songs to listen to on Setsubun. Recommended J‑Pop roundup (31–40)
Oni RangerMitsuru & Ryouta
Mitsuru & Ryota are a duo known as the Gymnastics & Singing Big Brothers, traveling all over Japan and gaining popularity with their friendly original play songs and exercises.
In January 2021, they released a Setsubun song that parents and children can enjoy together, titled “Oni Ranger.” It’s included on the album “Everyday ‘Heart-to-Heart’ Play Best,” and in the music video introduced in this article, they also showcase their signature original exercises.
With its tokusatsu-style vibe and catchy rhythm, it’s perfect for the Setsubun season every year—so be sure to try the exercises with your kids while listening to this song!
oni; demon; ogre; spirit (depending on context)Seikima II
Seikima-II, one of Japan’s representative heavy metal bands, are well known for their claim of being a “cult” that uses music as a means to propagate “devil worship.” Their vocalist Demon Kogure, who boasts exceptional singing ability and expressive power, is also a household favorite thanks to his distinctive character.
On their seventh original album, Restaurant of Fear, released in 1992, there’s a track aptly titled Oni (Demon).
Centered around a heavy, ominous guitar riff, it’s hellish heavy metal through and through, and Kogure’s piercing high-tone shouts leave a tremendous impact.
The live staging is the very embodiment of “oni,” so be sure to experience a hellish Setsubun along with the video!
Ojo KichisaHashi Yukio
If you’re familiar with kabuki, the title “Ojo Kichisa” might ring a bell.
It’s the name of a character—an outlaw disguised as a woman—from the kabuki play “Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai” by Kawatake Mokuami.
Using that character as a motif, a song was released in 1963, performed by one of Japan’s most prominent singers, Yukio Hashi.
From that description alone, it may seem unrelated to Setsubun, but if you read the lyrics, the word “Setsubun” appears.
As a stylish, slightly offbeat choice, it might be nice to listen to this song around the Setsubun season.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a number of Japanese songs related to Setsubun, featuring themes like oni (demons) and good fortune. Did you find a song that feels like “This is it!” for you? This Setsubun, be sure to spend the day with your favorite music!