A roundup of Japanese songs featuring curry—songs about curry and curry rice
Just hearing the words “curry rice” brings back that spicy aroma and makes me hungry… It’s no exaggeration to call it a national dish for Japanese people.So this time’s theme is classic songs about curry!We’ll deliver a diverse selection—not only songs that sing straightforwardly about curry rice, but also tracks where curry pops up in the lyrics of songs that seem unrelated at first glance!They’re great as BGM while you’re making curry, too.Be sure to read to the end!
Compilation of Japanese songs featuring curry songs and curry rice (1–10)
3636aimyon
This is a love song that shines with Aimyon’s unique perspective, sparked by the passcode of a delivery locker.
Included on her 2022 album “Falling into My Eyes Record,” the song is based on her real experience of being unable to open a delivery locker and portrays the end of a romance and a sense of emotional confinement.
The distinctive rhythm and melody arranged by Sunday Kamide will stick in your head after just one listen.
Immerse yourself in it while imagining the taste of curry.
Bob LennonUrasawa Naoki
It’s a folk-rock song that brings back nostalgic memories—like the smell of curry drifting in from somewhere on the way home at twilight.
Sung by Naoki Urasawa, a master of the manga world, it was included on his 2008 album “A Man of Half a Century.” It’s also known as a song closely tied to the 20th Century Boys film series, used as an in-story track, and its sound feels like it turns the childhood scenes and emotions within the story directly into music, making your heart swell.
Give it a listen when you want to reminisce and sink into a sentimental mood.
familySEKAI NO OWARI
It’s a moving medium-tempo ballad written as the theme song for the drama “IP: Cyber Investigation Team.” Created by SEKAI NO OWARI, it’s included on the album “scent of memory,” released in July 2021.
The lyrics resonate with the conflicts that arise precisely because family is so close, and with the awkward kindness found there.
And the curry that appears as a small detail of everyday life further enhances the song’s warm atmosphere.
ennsumika
It’s a medium-tempo tune that traces bonds and circles between people, warming the heart little by little.
The song is by sumika, a band from Kanagawa Prefecture, and is included on their mini-album Answer Parade, released in May 2016.
Keyboardist Takayuki Ogawa composed the piece and took on lead vocals for the first time.
Among lyrics that sing about connections with family and loved ones, the appearance of curry as a symbol of everyday life is especially striking.
Ogawa’s gentle, conversational singing voice sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.
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.”
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.
eeeeverydayGRe4N BOYZ
It’s an exceptionally bright, poppy cheer-up song that makes everyday housework more fun.
Created by GRe4N BOYZ, it was included as a B-side on the single “Akatsuki no Kimi ni,” released in December 2016.
Written specifically as the campaign song for Lion’s housework festival “CLeeeeaN,” this track turns routines like doing the dishes and cleaning into something positive with its lively rhythm.
The lyrics trace the flow of a week, and the depiction of curry rice on the table on Friday wonderfully heightens the excitement for the weekend.