[Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use names of foods

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.
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.

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 (81–90)

Salad for youDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – A Salad for You (from THE LOVE ROCKS TOUR 2006 Live Ver.)

Salad for youDREAMS COME TRUE

It’s a bubbly pop song brimming with excitement, singing, “I’m going to make something I love for someone I love!” It’s a track by DREAMS COME TRUE, a band that has long been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene.

It was included on their fourth album, MILLION KISSES, released in 1991.

It’s the perfect song when you want to feel warm and cozy or spend a relaxed moment.

It kind of makes you hungry, doesn’t it? I’m craving a salad loaded with fresh vegetables and lots of dressing!

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That Girl and Mashed PotatoesChekkāzu

That Girl and Mashed Potatoes — The Checkers, 1984

That Girl and Mashed PotatoesChekkāzu

It’s the B-side of that famous song “Namida no Request,” with a poppy, cute vibe.

The intro phrase is memorable too.

The lyricist, Ikumiya Fujii, is actually the real name and former stage name of vocalist Fumiya Fujii, and this was the first song he ever wrote lyrics for.

It’s cool and cute, so it’s the kind of song you’d want to listen to at lunchtime.

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Mushroom hamburger steakKawasaki Takaya

Mushroom hamburger steak

Mushroom hamburger steakKawasaki Takaya

A heartfelt slow ballad that sings about the happiness of sharing mushroom hamburg steak with someone dear.

It’s a song by singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki from Tochigi Prefecture, included on his first album, “I believe in you,” released in 2018.

Kawasaki’s warm, down-to-earth vocals, wrapped in acoustic guitar tones and harmonies, are simply irresistible.

It makes you feel happy, too.

Even if you’re shy about speaking words of love to the person you like, you’ll feel inspired to make plenty of delicious food for them instead.

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Motorcycles, leather jackets, and curryZa Kuromaniyonzu

The Cro-Magnons “Motorbike, Leather Jacket, and Curry”

Motorcycles, leather jackets, and curryZa Kuromaniyonzu

It’s the seventh single by The Chromagnons, the band of Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima from The Blue Hearts.

The lyrics are simple, but the song is incredibly cool.

In the music video, all the members wear leather jackets, creating a fast-paced feel.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a variety of food-themed songs—what did you think? There were plenty of memorable tracks: songs that make you hungry just by listening, and ones that might pop into your head whenever you see that food! You may have even realized that some of the songs you know use the names of foods or dishes.

It’s fun to listen closely to the lyrics—you’ll discover all sorts of things!