[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 list of recommended Japanese classics (41–50)
hot milkorange pekoe
Orange Pekoe is a duo that captivates with an exotic vibe and danceable sound.
This jazz-styled arrangement has such a sweet atmosphere that you might feel a little shy just listening to it.
Come to think of it, the title is “Hot Milk,” after all… No wonder it’s so sweet.
[2026] Songs about food: A recommended collection of J-pop classics (51–60)
Mt. Blanc, itadaki (summit/peak)yakushimaruetsuko d.v.d
This is a track by d.v.d, a unit featuring Etsuko Yakushimaru—famous as the vocalist of Sōtaisei Riron—twin drummers Itoken and Jimanica, and video artist Takashi Yamaguchi.
The whisper-like vocals and game-like melodies strangely fit together.
Samba of the ShortcakeKojima Mayumi
This is a song by Mayumi Kojima, a female singer-songwriter active since 1995.
It features a refreshing singing voice and melody.
Also, the lyrics are so distinctive that after listening, you might just find yourself craving a slice of shortcake—highly recommended!
DONUT SONGYamashita Tatsuro
This is a song released in 1996 that Tatsuro Yamashita wrote specifically for a Mister Donut commercial.
I can’t help but wonder if he wrote the lyrics with the Mister Donut that used to be on Shibuya Koen-dori in mind at the time.
Honestly, it’s so full of donuts that it makes you want to go to Mister Donut (lol).
Song of Bowlo
A sweet bolo that gently and softly melts in your mouth.
Tiny little bolos that slip away when you try to pinch them with your fingers.
Bolos that end up on the floor and get damp before you even notice…
This is a song about bolos, a beloved, nationally cherished snack that shows so many different sides.
That Girl and Mashed PotatoesChekkāzu
It’s a hidden gem from the early Checkers.
It’s a lively doo-wop number full of that American ’50s oldies vibe.
The word “mashed potatoes” gives it a distinctly American feel, which is charming.
It seems that even now, oldies bands still cover it.
The Bento Box Song
It’s a song about packing rice balls and other ingredients into a bento box.
It’s one that everyone’s heard at least once, right? But when you take a closer, calmer look at the lyrics, it seems like you’d end up with a bento that’s almost like shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)! I’d love to try eating a bento made exactly according to this recipe!