[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)
Setsubun bun!May’n & JUVENILE
This is a fun song that gives the Setsubun tradition a modern twist.
Created through a collaboration between May’n and JUVENILE, it was released in January 2023 and featured as the theme song for Denroku’s TV commercial.
The catchy chorus really stands out and is sure to lift your spirits just by listening.
The lyrics capture the joy of bean-throwing and a wish for happiness, making it likely to become a new Setsubun classic loved by many.
The choreography seen in the music video evokes the motions of bean-throwing, so people of all ages can dance along.
It’s the perfect track not only for Setsubun day but also whenever you want to feel cheerful.
Ehomaki, yum!gaagaaS
Ehoumaki Amuu, a perfect song for Setsubun, is a lively children’s track created by gaagaaS.
Centered on the Setsubun tradition of ehoumaki (lucky direction sushi rolls), this song is designed for kids to enjoy with hand-play movements.
It’s a super fun piece that nursery and kindergarten teachers can sing together with children.
It’s sure to liven up friendly, cheerful Setsubun events!
Insanely awesome!onipanzu!
It’s an irresistibly catchy track that makes you want to dance with all your might.
Released in June 2022 as the ending theme for the anime “Onipan!”, its rhythmic sound brimming with ogre-like power will get your body moving.
It’s a song I can recommend to a wide range of ages, from kids to adults.
Perfect not only for Setsubun season, but also when you need a boost of energy or for parties.
Let’s all get hyped together!
Peach demon, party demon ~ we are the world ~Jūsu goku goku Kurabu
It’s a pop song with an ogre as the main character.
The track is by Juice Gokugoku Club and was released digitally in January 2024.
It’s the theme song for the anime “Peach-Oni Party-Oni,” featuring a lively rhythm and a catchy melody that really stand out.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to start moving as you listen.
The lyrics are full of wordplay and humor.
I think it’s a perfect fit for kids’ bean-throwing festivities.
After defeating the ogres, let’s all dance together and invite good fortune in!
The Three Ogre SiblingsSakushi sakkyoku/ Nihonmatsu Hajime
The bean-throwing of Setsubun carries the meaning of driving away evil and inviting good fortune.
Oni (demons) are depicted as symbols of the evil cast out during Setsubun, and they strongly evoke an image of being powerful and fearsome.
This piece of music takes the figure and terrifying nature of oni as its motif.
It portrays three classic oni colors as siblings, roaming about in search of misbehaving children.
Though short, it clearly illustrates what oni represent in the context of Setsubun.
By incorporating movements inspired by oni, their strength can be emphasized even more.
