Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Summary of songs with the 'Momotaro' motif and tracks featuring peaches or ogres

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Momotaro, the classic tale of a boy who takes a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant with him to Oni Island to defeat the ogres.

It’s a beloved national folktale cherished by people of all ages.

In recent years, it even drew attention as the motif for a mobile phone company’s commercials.

This time, we’ve put together a selection of Japanese songs themed around Momotaro, as well as works featuring peaches and ogres.

In fact, Momotaro isn’t just a children’s song.

Be sure to read to the end—you might discover tracks you’ve never known before.

Songs with the 'Momotaro' motif: A roundup of tracks featuring peaches and demons (31–40)

Momotaro MarchHibari Misora

“Momotarō March / Momo Tarou Koushin Kyoku” by Hibari Misora (released on August 1, 1956) — I had the honor of singing it.

Momotarō March Hibari Misora

This is the theme song for the film Expedition to Treasure Island, which was based on Momotaro.

It was sung by Hibari Misora, the Showa-era songstress known for many classics such as “Like the Flow of the River,” and was released as a single in 1956.

Misora also appears in the film itself.

True to its title, the song has a march-like feel that evokes nostalgia even if you’ve never heard it before.

The simple, direct message of the lyrics—something like “Go, Momotaro!”—also reflects the era.

Give it a listen while imagining what those times were like.

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Amazing Okayama!Yuki Katsuragi

Theme song “Monge Okayama!” Yuki Katsuragi

Incredible Okayama! Yuki Katsuragi

This song, sung by Yuki Katsuragi, a singer from Okayama Prefecture, is a local anthem tied to Momotaro’s homeland, Okayama.

“Mongee” is Okayama dialect for “amazing,” so the title means “Okayama is amazing!” Naturally, Momotaro appears in the lyrics.

It’s a cool track with a husky voice, overwhelming vocal power, and a rock-inspired style.

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Pink Unrequited LoveAya Matsuura

Aya Matsuura – ♡ Peach-Colored Unrequited Love ♡ [PV]

Peach-Colored Unrequited Love by Aya Matsuura

Even if you say a song about “peaches,” I think the work people picture varies a lot by generation, but if your youth was in the 2000s, I bet “♡Momoiro Kataomoi♡” popped into your head.

It’s the fifth single from the legendary idol Aya Matsuura and a massive hit.

They say Matsuura was still in middle school when she released this track, so the pressure and nerves of singing it solo must have been intense.

The music video, with its cute concept of a girl working at a peach-canning factory, is adorable—don’t miss it!

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In conclusion

When I gathered without distinction the songs that use Momotaro as their theme—the works that came to mind—this is how many there were.

It might be odd to call it “unexpected,” but I feel there are quite a few recent Japanese songs that treat the story of Momotaro properly as the original source.

Which suggests we might see more of that kind of work in the future!