[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)
The demon has come.Hanbaato Hanbaato
Songs themed around Setsubun aren’t something we usually come across, are they? This piece is “Oni ga Kita” (“The Demons Have Come”), which I’d love people searching for a Setsubun song to hear.
It’s sung by the male–female duo Humbert Humbert.
In contrast to the gentle melody and warm vocals, the profound lyrics about the “evil” in the human heart really hit home.
It’s pleasant to listen to, so I think the whole family can enjoy it.
On the occasion of Setsubun, give this song a listen and drive out the demons that live in your own heart.
Oni ExterminationMoritaka Chisato
A demon-slaying song sung by Chisato Moritaka, famous for “Even If I Become an Old Lady.” Despite its upbeat and very bright tune, the striking thing is the rather edgy lyrics.
The linked video is a self-cover version.
Even without Momotaro, it’d be nice to firmly defeat the demons and live in peace.
Issun-bōshi (The One-Inch Boy)Sakushi: Iwaya Sazanami
The lyrics were written by Konami Iwaya, and the music was composed by Torazō Tamura—it’s a Japanese children’s song.
Many of you probably know it! You might wonder, “This song for Setsubun?” but the truth is, Little One-Inch (Issun-bōshi) features an ogre.
Since Issun-bōshi desperately tries to protect the young lady from the ogre, it’s a great song to listen to for Setsubun as well.
MomotaroSuiyōbi no Campanella
A rising star in the J-pop world, Wednesday Campanella delivers a playful, humorous song that riffs on the Momotaro tale! The lyrics and theme draw you into its unique world, and the backing track is outstanding.
Even just watching the music video is entertaining.
A mysterious artist—definitely one to watch!
Setsubun SongWatanabe Ran
RAN Watanabe’s original song “Setsubun Song,” which she wrote when she was a second-year high school student.
For many people, the word Setsubun brings back memories of throwing beans with their family when they were children.
The lyrics, filled with memories of family bean-throwing, will resonate with anyone, inviting you to swap in your own recollections and let them swirl through your mind.
With a gentle yet warm singing voice and a piano-and-vocal arrangement whose tones evoke the coming spring, “Setsubun Song” is the kind of tune you’ll find yourself humming along to after just a few listens.
In conclusion
We’ve rounded up a bunch of songs inspired by Setsubun, including bean-throwing, demon-chasing, and ehomaki.
Besides the children’s song “Mamemaki,” there are surprisingly many tunes related to Setsubun.
If you have a favorite, be sure to sing it together with the kids!