[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 (21–30)
Fortune in, demons out.Hosono Haruomi
As the title makes clear, this is a song about Setsubun.
“Fuku wa Uchi Oni wa Soto,” included on Haruomi Hosono’s 1973 album HOSONO HOUSE.
With its very light, hummable lyrics set to a breezy melody, it’s a fun track that says, “If it’s happy, it’s always welcome.” Reading the lyrics, it’s a cute song from someone who feels their life is a total mess and wants to borrow some good fortune—“Feel free to come in on your own”—waiting for luck with an easygoing, lighthearted attitude.
Out with the demons (Japanese title: Oni wa soto)Edogā Burōton Bando
If you’re getting tired of shouting “Oni wa soto!” in Japanese, how about trying this song instead? It’s a slightly edgy number with the aroma of the ’70s UK underground scene, but if you throw beans to this track, you might enjoy a distinctly different vibe from the usual.
If winter comesHorigome Takaki
The proverb “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” means that once winter has arrived, spring is not far away, indicating that spring will come soon.
Since Setsubun is the day before the first day of spring—in other words, the last day of winter—this song also suits Setsubun, doesn’t it? The lyrics even contain words that evoke Setsubun, so try to find them.
It’s a sophisticated track featuring Kirinji’s vocalist, Takaki Horigome.
Ma~me ma~me
This is the commercial jingle for Denroku’s Setsubun bean-throwing.
It’s got a catchy phrase that sticks in your head, and there’s a dance, too.
The voice is quirky as well, but somehow it’s addictive (lol).
Once you master the dance, you’re sure to have a fun Setsubun!
Deathmatch on Onigashima (feat. Kagamine Len, Kagamine Rin, Gackpoid, Lily, Megpoid, Hatsune Miku, and KAITO)Hitoshizuku P × Yama △
When it comes to Setsubun, bean-throwing and ogres are indispensable elements—and when it comes to stories with ogres, Momotaro is a classic.
This song uses Momotaro, which aligns closely with Setsubun, as its motif.
By rephrasing the familiar tale from childhood and setting it to a rock sound, it takes on the feel of a grand epic.
Reading the lyrics, the story faithfully traces Momotaro’s plot, yet the various arrangements make it feel like a completely different tale—which is part of what makes it so intriguing.
