[Setsubun Song] Demons out, fortune in! Bean-throwing songs to enjoy on Setsubun
When February comes, it’s all about 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 introduce songs themed around Setsubun and oni (demons).
We’ve gathered not only classics like the children’s songs “Mame-maki” (Bean-Scattering) and “Oni no Pantsu” (The Ogre’s Underpants), but also songs often sung at kindergartens and nursery schools during Setsubun, as well as tunes perfect for listening on the day.
If you’re looking to discover famous Setsubun songs or tracks you can enjoy with children during the holiday, be sure to check these out.
Some selections are aimed at adults, too.
Let’s welcome good fortune by enjoying Setsubun to the fullest—kids and adults alike!
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Setsubun Song: Demons Out, Fortune In! Bean-Throwing Songs to Hear on Setsubun (1–10)
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.
Insanely awesome!Onipans!
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 ~Gulp-Gulp Juice Club
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!
[Setsubun Song] Demons Out, Good Fortune In! Bean-Throwing Songs to Hear on Setsubun (11–20)
The spring breeze gentlyUmekichi Hiyama
It’s a type of song called an Edo hauta, consisting of shamisen accompaniment and vocals.
Although the title evokes the beginning of spring, there’s wordplay using the familiar refrain “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto” (“Good fortune in, demons out”), likely because Setsubun marks the last day of winter.
The song is said to have been composed in the mid-Meiji period.
Momotaronursery rhyme
When it comes to Setsubun and ogres, Momotaro naturally comes to mind! The song tells the story of Momotaro setting off to slay the ogres with millet dumplings in hand, recruiting a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant as his companions, and heading to Onigashima.
For ogre-slaying, it’s got to be Momotaro! Bean-throwing is fun, but it’d be great if Momotaro could join us too.
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!
Bean Squad BibinbeanLyrics: Chiyoko Mori / Music: Yasuo Kosugi
On Setsubun, people throw beans not only at home but also at nursery schools and kindergartens, right? If you have little kids, they might freeze up at the sight of the oni, and the moment they realize the ogre is scary, they’ll burst into tears and run away, won’t they? At times like that, put on “Omame Sentai Bibin Bean.” It’s sure to give them the courage to drive the ogre away!