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.
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A roundup of songs with the ‘Momotaro’ motif—tracks featuring peaches and ogres (1–10)
Oni ExterminationChisato Moritaka
This is a song by Chisato Moritaka—famous for “Watashi ga Obasan ni Natte mo”—whose lyrics say that it isn’t Momotaro going to slay the ogres, but herself.
It’s built on a cheerful rhythm and has a very lively finish.
From the sound of it, she seems like she could defeat the ogres with ease.
We are ogres!ONIGAWARA
This song turns the Momotaro legend into a pop anthem.
ONIGAWARA released it in 2018 as the B-side to the digital single “Number One-chan,” and it was also included on the album GAWARA! released that June.
It features a lively rhythm and an accessible melody, carrying a message to rise above social prejudice and enjoy the present together.
Give it a listen when you need a boost of energy!
Let's go! MomotaroTHE Daijobu’s
A poppy, energetic track themed on Momotaro, a sort of legendary Japanese hero! It was released digitally in July 2018 and produced as part of Yoshimoto Kogyo’s “Momotaro” project.
Finished with THE Daijobu’s signature rock sound, it’s a song everyone from kids to adults can enjoy.
Its aggressive performance and lyrics that reinterpret Momotaro’s adventure in a modern way are especially appealing.
How about singing along as a family and diving into the world of “Momotaro”?
MomotaroWednesday Campanella
A work by the music unit Wednesday Campanella, included on their 2014 mini-album “Take Me to Onigashima.” It’s a worldview that can’t be contained by words like “unique” or “mysterious”.
.
.
That feeling is exactly Wednesday Campanella.
The lyrics feature lots of retro games, and the fairly modern, story-like feel is sung over a hip-hop-tinged melody.
Man, once you hear it, you immediately think, “I’ve gotta play that again,” that’s the kind of song this is.
Rock-Paper-Scissors MomotaroAkari Machi
A traditional tale about a baby born from a peach who grows up to defeat ogres transforms into a disco-style song you can play rock-paper-scissors to.
It’s a track brimming with the playful spirit characteristic of Akari Machi, included on her September 2019 album “Akari Oneesan no NikoniKo Henna Uta.” Can you win the persimmon seeds and dried squid hanging at the waist by playing rock-paper-scissors? What a fun idea.
How about everyone at home sings along while playing rock-paper-scissors? You’re sure to have a lively time.
Momotaronursery rhyme
“Momotaro, Momotaro, with millet dumplings at your waist…”—it’s the classic song.
When you hear ‘Momotaro,’ this tune is the first thing that comes to mind.
It depicts Momotaro setting off to subdue the ogres with a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant.
Still, there’s a part—‘So fun, so fun, we’ll subdue every last ogre’—that can make you feel a bit sorry for the ogres.
Sheep of the Rear Demon's GateSAKANAMON
Let me introduce a track included on SAKANAMON’s album “HAKKOH.” It’s a surreal and unique piece inspired by the story of Momotaro.
The story, told from the perspective of a “sheep that wasn’t chosen,” is striking and conveys themes of loneliness and the importance of self-expression.
With a brisk rhythm and a wistful vocal delivery, it beautifully captures the sheep’s emotions.
Released in October 2022, the album “HAKKOH” is a meaningful work commemorating the band’s 15th anniversary.
If you like this song, be sure to check out the entire album!