Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food
“Food” is something very familiar to children, isn’t it?
When they start speaking, many first learn words like “mamma,” or they remember the names of their favorite foods.
In this article, we’ve picked out “songs about food” from among many nursery rhymes.
We’ll introduce plenty of songs that feature foods kids love, like fruit, bread, and curry rice.
Some of them aren’t just for singing—you can enjoy hand games and dancing, too.
Even children who find eating difficult or are picky eaters might enjoy singing these songs.
It would be great if singing during mealtimes helps them have more fun and eat a little more.
- [Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use names of foods
- [Rice Songs] A selection of tracks where food appears in the lyrics!
- Vegetable Song: A Recommended Food Education Song for Children
- [2026] Candy and sweets songs: sugary tunes that make you crave dessert when you listen
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- [Animal Song] Fun nursery rhymes popular with children
- Snake Song: Children's song, nursery rhyme, and hand-play song
- [2026] Songs about cooking: A roundup of recommended Japanese classics
- Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children
- [Children’s Songs of Autumn] Autumn songs, school songs, and traditional children’s rhymes. A collection of classic pieces to sing in autumn.
- A lunchbox song to sing with kids. A bento song that makes school lunch more fun.
- [Children’s Songs for June] Fun finger-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes perfect for the rainy season
- [Vegetable Songs] Unexpected artists too!? A roundup of recommended tracks
Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about food (31–40)
The Bento Box SongSakushi: Kayama Yoshiko / Sakkyoku: Kobayashi Akihiro
This is a fingerplay song, beloved by children, that cheerfully introduces the contents of a lunchbox.
Miyako Kayama’s warm lyrics perfectly match Akihiro Komori’s bright, friendly melody, resulting in an uplifting tune.
It’s fun to sing while doing the hand motions, and the lively storytelling is part of its charm.
Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in August 1978, the song was featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and the Nippon TV network’s “Ohayō! Kodomo Show,” gaining widespread popularity.
It’s a delightful song that makes moments centered on food—like packing lunches or getting ready for a field trip—even more enjoyable.
Swim, Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato
Though it’s a children’s song, Shimon Masato’s “Swim! Taiyaki-kun” remains etched in the memories of people across generations.
The unique story of a taiyaki that had only ever been grilled on a hotplate suddenly dashing out of the shop one day and setting off to swim across the open sea is unforgettable! The distinctively quirky vocals perfectly match the taiyaki-kun’s characterful lyrics.
With its relaxed melody, it’s an easy song to sing—even for older adults who aren’t confident at karaoke.
The tune naturally sinks into your ears and body, so sway along and clap your hands as you enjoy it!
Banana Parent and ChildSakata Osamu
Lyrics and melodies that make children’s hearts skip a beat.
This song is an adorable piece depicting a banana parent and child living on a southern island.
The swaying bananas in the breeze are expressed through rhythmic lyrics.
Carried by Osamu Sakata’s gentle voice, the introduction of Papa Banana, Mama Banana, and Little Banana makes you want to hum along.
Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a hugely popular song among children.
Sing and dance together as a family, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!
Vegetable SongYamano Satoko
Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.
With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.
Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.
This piece is included in many children’s music albums.
It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.
If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!
In conclusion
We introduced some songs about food! Each one was so fun you’ll want to sing it again and again.
If you sing lots of food-themed songs, you might become more interested in meals and be able to try a wider variety of foods.
Take this opportunity to sing all kinds of food songs!