A roundup of Japanese songs featuring curry—songs about curry and curry rice

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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 or curry rice (41–50)

Curry Kidhy4_4yh

hy4_4yh (Hyper Yo-yo) “Curry Kid” music video

Curry Kidhy4_4yh

It’s a very unique song packed to the brim with love for curry.

Created by hy4_4yh, a girls’ rap unit spreading “yabai” to the world, it was released as a single in 2020.

With an India-inspired sound and lyrics that mention all kinds of spices, no matter how you slice it, you can almost smell the curry.

The lively vocals are energizing too.

You might even find curry tastes even better if you eat it while listening to this track!

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Curry GaloreThe SALOVERS

Curry Galore / The SALOVERS

Curry GaloreThe SALOVERS

An energizing curry song that teaches you the importance of living true to yourself.

It’s a track by the rock band The SALOVERS, included as a B-side on their 2013 single “Bungaku no Susume” (Recommendation of Literature).

The lively rhythm and sound are a perfect match for vocalist Yutaro Furudate’s powerful voice—so satisfying to listen to.

There are probably more people than you’d think who feel that as long as you eat curry, things will work out somehow.

Give it a spin when life’s got you feeling worn out.

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The Curry Rice WomanSonin

For image quality testing: Sonim - Curry Rice Girl

The Curry Rice WomanSonin

I made curry rice for the person I love—it’s all I have…

This piece packs the heartache of a woman nursing a broken heart into its lyrics.

It’s a song by Sonim, a singer who was also active as a member of the dance-vocal unit EE JUMP, released as a single in 2002.

The very cool sound arrangement matches Sonim’s fragile vocals, which seems to broaden the song’s world.

It also expresses the resolve that things can’t stay this way—I have to become stronger—so it’s recommended for those who want to recover from the shock of a breakup.

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Curry, then riceHōkago Tī Taimu

Curry, then rice

Curry, then riceHōkago Tī Taimu

The TV anime K-ON!, which began airing in 2009, is a masterpiece that left its mark on Japanese anime history, sparking such a phenomenon that anime fans and teens of the time picked up instruments.

At the same time, because it centers on a high school girls’ band, the series produced many beloved songs that continue to be cherished well into the 2020s.

The song we’re featuring today, Curry Nochi Rice, perfectly encapsulates the essence of Yui Hirasawa, who serves as the main vocalist.

Over a cool track driven by punk rock–style, fast-paced drums, a flashily active bass, a hard-driving guitar, and an organ that takes a star turn, Aki Toyosaki’s irresistibly cute vocals as Yui shine with brilliant contrast.

The lyrics, which cleverly juxtapose curry and a girlish first crush, are superb as well.

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SAUNA SONGDISH//

DISH// – SAUNA SONG [Official Video]

SAUNA SONGDISH//

It’s a message song that likens a relationship with someone important to curry.

It’s a track by the dance-rock band DISH//, included on their 2020 mini-album “CIRCLE.” The relaxed, stylish sound is exceptionally easy on the ears.

In the lyrics, there’s a sentiment of “resetting your feelings by getting ‘totonou’ in a sauna,” where “totonou” is a Japanese term used to describe the pleasant, balanced state you reach after a sauna.

Give it a listen when you want to calm down or drift off to sleep.

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In conclusion

Among the songs we introduced this time, some of you may have just realized that this track actually mentions curry.

Even with songs you listen to regularly, if you lend them an attentive ear, you might discover unexpected words like that.

Please feel free to use this as your BGM playlist for cooking curry!