[Setsubun Song] Demons out, fortune in! Bean-throwing songs to enjoy on Setsubun
February brings Setsubun.
Setsubun is a traditional event, passed down to the general public since the Edo period, in which beans are scattered to drive away evil and invite good fortune.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs themed around Setsubun and oni (ogres)! We’ve gathered not only classics like the children’s songs “Mame-maki” and “Oni no Pantsu,” but also songs often sung at kindergartens and nursery schools during Setsubun, as well as Japanese pop songs perfect for listening to on Setsubun.
If you’re especially looking for songs to enjoy with children during Setsubun, be sure to check these out! Let’s make the most of Setsubun and invite good fortune in!
- [February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
- Oni Out, Fortune In: A roundup of J-pop you’ll want to listen to during Setsubun
- Summary of songs with the 'Momotaro' motif and tracks featuring peaches or ogres
- Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children
- Children’s songs for Hinamatsuri: A collection of songs everyone can sing together for the Doll Festival
- [Fun] A Collection of Children’s Songs Featuring “Ghosts”
- Hand-play songs to sing for Hinamatsuri. Songs everyone can enjoy.
- March nursery rhymes & hand play songs! Spring songs you can enjoy with your kids
- Recommended for daycare activities! A Halloween song you can sing and play with
- Parody Versions of the Children's Song “Oshōgatsu” | Hilarious and Not-So-Hilarious!? Check Out the Shocking Lyrics!
- [Hinamatsuri Songs] A roundup of classic Girls’ Day tunes and unexpected Hinamatsuri tracks
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
- [Let's Enjoy Japanese Festival Songs!] Songs about festivals. Famous songs related to festivals.
[Setsubun Song] Demons Out, Good Fortune In! Bean-Throwing Songs to Hear on Setsubun (11–20)
Maki-Maki Song
This song, played in supermarkets and other places as a promotional tune for the sushi rolls of the Hiroshima-based food company Ajikan Co., Ltd., is a cute, poppy, and cheerful piece that kids will likely learn and hum along to.
Listening to it makes you crave sushi rolls!
The spring breeze gentlyHiyama Umekichi
It’s a type of song called an Edo hauta, consisting of shamisen accompaniment and vocals.
Although the title evokes the beginning of spring, there’s wordplay using the familiar refrain “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto” (“Good fortune in, demons out”), likely because Setsubun marks the last day of winter.
The song is said to have been composed in the mid-Meiji period.
MomotaroSakushisha: fushō
When it comes to Setsubun and ogres, Momotaro naturally comes to mind! The song tells the story of Momotaro setting off to slay the ogres with millet dumplings in hand, recruiting a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant as his companions, and heading to Onigashima.
For ogre-slaying, it’s got to be Momotaro! Bean-throwing is fun, but it’d be great if Momotaro could join us too.
Bean Squad BibinbeanSakushi: Morichiyoko / Sakkyoku: Kosugi Yasuo
On Setsubun, people throw beans not only at home but also at nursery schools and kindergartens, right? If you have little kids, they might freeze up at the sight of the oni, and the moment they realize the ogre is scary, they’ll burst into tears and run away, won’t they? At times like that, put on “Omame Sentai Bibin Bean.” It’s sure to give them the courage to drive the ogre away!
We’ll take care of the demon here.Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
Beloved as a seasonal tradition for Setsubun, “Oni wa uchi de hikiuketa” brings a fresh waltz-like feel that breathes new life into Japan’s Setsubun customs.
The unusual phrase “Oni wa uchi de hikiuketa” makes this a fun song.
It’s a piece teachers can enjoy together with children, and its appeal lies in letting you sing while feeling the season.
It’s perfect for bean-throwing events at kindergartens and nurseries, and can also be enjoyed at home with parents.
You could call it a hidden gem of Setsubun songs.