[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 classic Japanese tracks (31–40)
Strawberry ChipsHALCALI
This is a song by HALCALI, a female music duo that began their activities in 2002.
Just like the title suggests, the lyrics are filled with sweet and cute words! In the music video, the languid vibe of the song matches the dance performed by the two members of HALCALI, making it surprisingly addictive.
SpiceToukyou Karankoron
Shokugeki no Soma is a popular cooking manga in Weekly Shonen Jump.
When it was adapted into a TV anime, the ending theme for the first season was Tokyo Karan Koron’s 4th single, “Spice.” It’s a heartwarming song that likens the happiness of being able to laugh with someone precious to a spice.
Breakfast SongTeshima Aoi
This is a song included in the 2011 Studio Ghibli-produced album “From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection.” It features gentle melodies that sing about making breakfast.
The piece captures the bustling yet happy moments leading up to sending the family off.
Curry and rice
This is a song about making curry and rice.
First come the ingredients.
Then the seasoning.
In the end, we eat it deliciously.
It’s nice that it can be sung as a call-and-response between parents and children.
Everyone loves curry and often makes it, so how about singing this song together too?
Chocolate DiscoPerfume
Perfume, the trio that represents Japanese techno.
This is a song where you can really savor their charm.
With a Valentine’s Day theme, it depicts the back-and-forth between a girl with a pounding heart and a boy who’s clearly just as flustered but acts like, “I’m not bothered at all.” It’s an indispensable track for Valentine’s Day! And now I’m craving chocolate…
[2026] Songs about cooking: a curated list of recommended Japanese classics (41–50)
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu
It’s a timeless classic known to everyone.
Although neither the title nor the lyrics have anything to do with food, it was released in the U.S.
under the title “SUKIYAKI,” and in 1963 it impressively held the No.
1 spot on the U.S.
charts for three consecutive weeks.
Naturally, this was the first achievement of its kind by an Asian artist.
Salad for you
It’s a song released by DREAMS COME TRUE.
The lyrics tell a story of going shopping to make a salad—getting jostled by aunties, losing track of the wallet—but in the end pouring on a dressing filled with lots of love.
It all adds up to an irresistibly blissful track!