[2026] Songs about cooking: A roundup of recommended Japanese classics
Delicious food adds color to our everyday lives, and surely many people reset their mood by making sure to eat a proper meal even when they’re going through something tough.
Whether we’re happy or sad, we humans can’t keep moving forward unless we eat.
Themes like cooking and food—which are closely tied to our daily lives—are, of course, important and unmissable subjects for artists as well, and they’re often chosen as motifs.
In this article, we’ve picked out classic Japanese songs—both old and new—that center on cooking and food.
Whether it’s breakfast or sweet desserts, take a look at how these artists express them!
- [Rice Songs] A selection of tracks where food appears in the lyrics!
- [Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use names of foods
- [Delicious] A collection of music you'll want to listen to while cooking
- A roundup of Japanese songs featuring curry—songs about curry and curry rice
- [2026] Japanese music that sings wishes: A collection of J-POP masterpieces
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food
- [Family Song] A gratitude song that lets you feel the importance of family.
- [Vegetable Songs] Unexpected artists too!? A roundup of recommended tracks
- [2026] Autumn songs sung by idols: A collection of classic autumn tunes filled with nostalgia
- [Thank You] A song for grandpa and grandma: a classic that makes you want to express your gratitude
- Vegetable Song: A Recommended Food Education Song for Children
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
[2026] Songs About Cooking: A Curated Selection of Recommended Japanese Hits (11–20)
Song of Ms. Koizumi Who Loves RamenMōningu Musume ’16
This is a number covered by Morning Musume of Sharam Q’s early hidden gem “Ramen-Loving Ms.
Koizumi’s Song,” from before they started scoring consecutive Oricon hits.
It’s been turned into a lively dance-arranged track, and it seems the lyrics have been slightly changed as well.
HapichocoFRUITS ZIPPER
A sweet, feel-good Valentine’s song from FRUITS ZIPPER.
Released in February 2023, this track portrays the feelings of a girl in love through the lens of chocolate.
Even while worrying about budget and calories, the lyrics convey her struggle to choose the perfect chocolate filled with feelings for someone special.
It’s a song that beautifully blends idol-like cuteness with the bittersweetness of romance.
Perfect for getting into the Valentine’s mood or expressing your feelings to someone important.
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
This song is a collaboration between Masatoshi Hamada and Noriyuki Makihara, born from an event on Fuji TV’s music program “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP.” The lyrics, written by Hitoshi Matsumoto based on episodes from his childhood, convey themes of caring for one’s family and the idea that happiness isn’t defined by material wealth.
Released as a single in November 2004, the song was also used as the image song for Fuji TV’s winter event “HOT FANTASY ODAIBA.” The warm story, depicted through memories with family and the dish chicken rice, has become a song that resonates deeply with everyone.
Breakfast MarchYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi
This is a lively, march-style song that teaches children the importance of eating breakfast.
It premiered in October 2008 on NHK Educational TV’s popular program “Okaasan to Issho.” The bright and cheerful vocals by Daisuke Yokoyama and Takumi Mitani express the joy of eating breakfast.
Traditional Japanese breakfast items like plain rice, pickled plums, and takuan appear one after another, with memorable, playful descriptions that make it feel as if the ingredients are marching along.
As a motivational song that parents and children can sing together during the busy morning hours, it has been loved by many families.
It’s a recommended track for parents with young children, helping to build a habit of enjoying breakfast.
aonori (green laver seaweed)Buriifu & Torankusu
Brief & Trunks are a folk duo who comically capture everyday life within a five-meter radius.
This is one of their early signature songs, released as a single in 1998, which caught fire in popularity through cable radio.
The lyrics depict the bittersweet inner struggle of a man who just can’t bring himself to point out the green powder stuck to his beloved girlfriend’s front teeth.
And in the latter half, there’s a scene where, during their date, a curry-rice smell wafts from her mouth.
The track is also included on the album “The Greatest Harmony Since the War.”
The Shocking Soup of Virgin Mary: The Magnificent DesireMakita Supōtsu presents Fly or Die
This is a song that makes you laugh at the unexpected gap between a decadent visual-kei worldview and the homely theme of curry! It’s by the band led by Makita Sports, Makita Sports presents Fly or Die.
Released digitally in January 2014 as their debut, it’s a track born from the popular segment “Comedians’ Serious Song Championship” on the TV Tokyo variety show Godtongue.
What’s sung over the heavy band sound isn’t pitch-black darkness or despair, but—surprise—an appetite for soup curry.
The contrast between the authentic performance and the ridiculous lyrics is the best.
If you listen to it when you’re feeling down, its gloriously over-the-top silliness is sure to lift you up!
[2026] Songs about cooking: Recommended masterpieces (Japanese music) (21–30)
Plan for the Indianization of JapanKinniku Shoujo Tai
This is a rock number that portrays a grand ambition to turn all of Japan into a foreign land, along with an obsession with curry.
It’s a song by Muscles Girl Band (Kinniku Shōjo-tai), included on the album “Neko no Tebukuro,” released in July 1989.
It became a hot topic when it was used as a commercial song for the soft drink “CHEERIO.” The uniquely undulating guitar riff and vocalist Kenji Otsuki’s conversational singing style are addictive.
It’s a rich, intense track that seems to waft a spicy aroma just by listening.