[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: Recommended masterpieces (Japanese music) (21–30)
I can’t compete with curry rice.Majima Masatoshi
As a song themed around food, this is a heartwarming piece created by Masatoshi Mashima during his solo career.
Using the everyday dish of curry rice as its subject, it sings about the importance of finding life’s small happiness through the process of cooking and the joy of eating.
Released as a single in October 1994, it showcased Mashima’s new musical direction following the breakup of The Blue Hearts.
Strongly rooted in pop rock, and enhanced by producer Masahide Sakuma’s arrangement, the track blends approachability with the soul of rock.
It’s a perfect song for those seeking comfort through cooking or hoping to discover happiness in everyday life.
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.
[2026] Songs about cooking: Recommended classic Japanese tracks (31–40)
Love Spice Curry eeeeee! Naan refills are free.bakkudoroppu tāmerikkus
The unit Backdrop Turmeric s, formed by Taka and Toshi and Michopa, who co-star on the gaming and esports variety show “Ariyoshi eeeee! Hey! Can we come over to your place and play games now?”, released the show’s official curry song “Spicy Curry of Love eeeee! Free Refills of Naan,” which depicts the program’s content, often filled with talk of curry and pro wrestling.
It also drew attention for being produced by Kenmochi Hidefumi of Wednesday Campanella.
Beyond the comical lyrics and ensemble, there’s plenty to enjoy—like Michopa’s vocals and Taka’s rap.
It’s an eccentric number that makes you crave curry just by listening.
riceDISH//
This song by DISH//, the band fronted by Takumi Kitamura, spins everyday, unassuming happiness found in daily life into music.
As the title suggests, through the familiar theme of “meals,” it portrays the preciousness of time spent with loved ones and moments of caring for yourself.
Life has its ups and downs—there are times when we reflect on the meaning of happiness, and there are ordinary feelings like simply getting hungry.
That down-to-earth message is sure to resonate with many listeners.
Released digitally in October 2025, the track features lyrics by Takumi Kitamura and composition by To-i Tachibana, Daichi Izumi, and others.
Give it a listen when you’re tired or need a moment to unwind.
KOGYA`S KITCHENKOGYARU
This is a delightful work born from the unexpected pairing of hip-hop and cooking.
Released in August 2025, it showcases a playful charm that’s quite different from the cool attitude shown in the debut track “SHIRANKEDO.” Guiding you through how to make chicken rice and omurice with a rap is such a unique idea.
Plus, the catchy phrases over a drill beat and the para-para choreography—complete with an official practice video—make you want to move your body and groove along! It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser to play at a party with friends.
Recipetimelesz
This song, one of the tracks on a double A-side single, was chosen as the theme for the TV Asahi drama “Papa to Oyaji no Uchi Gohan.” It’s a piece that closely aligns with the drama’s worldview, in which member So Matsushima stars and Shuto Inomata appears.
It gently sings about everyday happiness, layering the idea of time spent with someone and mutual support onto the word “recipe.” The music video is set in a kindergarten, capturing the members as teachers interacting with the children, and the warm scenes are truly wonderful.
Please take in their positive message.
JAMFRUITS ZIPPER
FRUITS ZIPPER is an idol group that gained momentum after going viral on TikTok with “My Cutest Part.” Released for streaming in September 2025, this song is a heartwarming number that likens the precious moments of everyday life to making jam.
It sings about how, as time passes, memories pile up and become sweeter and more special.
A gentle pop song that makes you cherish the ordinary days spent with someone important.