Originally a Japanese incantation--usually recited twice--to avoid being struck by
lightening. Strictly speaking, it is chanted to ward off bad luck much like "
knock on wood", but in common usage today, it is chanted simply to ward off any unlucky situation.
In the song "Kuwabara Kuwabara" by Dreams Come True, a girl is
unexpectedly going to be visited by her parents and she hurries to get rid of all signs of the guy she is living with. (trans.)
"KUWABARA KUWABARA, I chant the spell
and erase
the heavy thoughts from my mind
KUWABARA KUWABARA, I sweep away
his
big shoes along with my cold sweat... Safe!"