Lovely children's song

[Setsubun Song] Demons out, fortune in! Bean-throwing songs to enjoy on Setsubun

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.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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!

[Setsubun Song] Demons Out, Good Fortune In! Bean-Throwing Songs to Hear on Setsubun (21–30)

Fortune in, demons out.Haruomi Hosono

Haruomi Hosono – Fuku Wa Uchi Oni Wa Soto

Fortune in, demons out — Haruomi Hosono

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.

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If winter comesTakaki Horigome

If winter comes

If winter comes — Takagi Horigome

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.

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Ma~me ma~me

[HD] 2013/01/20 On-Air Commercial (15s) No.027 Denroku / Setsubun Campaign

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!

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The demon has come.Humbert Humbert

The demon has come.

The ogre has come Humbert Humbert

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.

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Oni ExterminationChisato Moritaka

Chisato Moritaka “Oni Taiji” [Self-Cover]

Onitaiji Moritaka 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.

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Issun-bōshi (The One-Inch Boy)nursery rhyme

♪ Issun Boushi – One-Inch Boy | ♪ A One-Inch Boy Not Even Enough for a Finger [Japanese Songs / Shoka]

Issun-boshi nursery rhyme

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.

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In conclusion

We introduced a whole lineup of songs related to Setsubun, such as bean-throwing, demon-chasing, and ehomaki.

Besides the children’s song “Mame-maki,” there were surprisingly many other songs connected to Setsubun.

If you find a favorite, be sure to sing it together with the kids!