![[Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use names of foods](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/BuU2bocSfDo/maxresdefault.webp)
[Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use names of foods
When everyday familiar things are chosen as the subject of a song, it somehow makes us feel a sense of closeness all by itself.
If a song’s title or theme is food, it’s easier to picture, isn’t it?
This time, under the theme of Japanese music related to food, we’ve put together songs where the very title features food or drink, or the lyrics are connected to food!
From the latest hits to timeless classics and hidden favorites, please enjoy these J-POP gems that might just make your stomach growl.
[Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use food names (1–10)
Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai
This is a song that can be called the signature track of Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, a lifestyle-oriented loud rock band.
With the band’s hallmark powerful sound, you can feel their passionate love for food and rice.
While expressing pride in rice—an essential part of Japanese life—it also introduces side dishes that go well with rice and various ways to eat it.
In the middle of the song, the lyrics list different rice varieties, making it feel educational, too.
It’s a track you’ll want to consult when you haven’t decided on the day’s side dishes.
Marshmallow dayMr.Children
A glittering, up-tempo Mr.
Children-style pop classic that you can practically see lighting up a live show! “Marshmallow day,” the second track on the 2012 album [(an imitation) blood orange], wasn’t released as a single, but it’s a fan favorite and was even used in a commercial.
Interestingly, if you read the lyrics, the word “marshmallow” never actually appears.
Instead, “chewing gum” shows up, and the lyrics—employing Kazutoshi Sakurai’s signature rhetoric—slice in a way that sets them apart from a typical ballad love song.
You might be wondering about the meaning of the title; in English, “marshmallow” can also carry the sense of “coward” or “weakling,” not just the candy.
Keeping that in mind as you listen may lead you to some new discoveries.
Sushi and sakeYONA YONA WEEKENDERS
A soothing track to heal hearts weary from everyday life.
Released by YONA YONA WEEKENDERS in July 2024, this work centers on the theme of breaking free from the hustle and bustle of daily routine.
Blending city pop with melodic hardcore, it captures the anticipation for the weekend and sings of genuine love that doesn’t depend on social media.
The music video features actor Yosuke Kubozuka and includes a playful “sushi poker” segment.
It’s a song that brings comfort and energy to anyone worn out by work or relationships—perfect as background music for spending a Friday night with someone special.
mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism
Mixed Nuts is the song Official HIGE DANDism wrote specifically as the theme for the anime SPY×FAMILY.
In this track, the world is depicted as a mix of nuts, just like the title suggests, and the anime’s protagonists are likened to peanuts.
Here’s something worth noting: peanuts aren’t actually true nuts.
In other words, the song portrays the protagonists’ situation—mixed in like peanuts, yet not quite fitting into the world.
Ice Cream SyndromeSukima Suichi
A bittersweet unrequited love song that likens the time slipping by, without being able to express one’s true feelings, to melting ice cream.
It’s a track by the musical duo Sukima Switch, who have produced numerous masterpieces like “Kanade” and “Boku Note,” and it was released in 2010 as their 13th single.
The song was used as the theme for the film “Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl the Movie—Zoroark: Master of Illusions.” Wanting to become more than friends but unable to take the leap… many can relate, can’t they? Why not let this song give you courage and try sharing your feelings?
