[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 (31–40)

honeysupittsu

Spitz / Honey

honeysupittsu

It’s the title tune of the album “Honey” (Hachimitsu), which includes “Robinson,” and it’s characterized by an unusual 4+4+2 time signature.

The “honey” in “Honey and Clover” was taken from this album title, and Spitz’s songs are used in the anime as well.

Spitz has also released various songs with food names, such as “Umeboshi,” “Crispy,” “Peach,” “Raspberry,” “Licorice,” and “Bavarois.”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

cotton candyback number

back number – Watagashi (full)

cotton candyback number

This is a classic song by back number, known for their female-perspective and bittersweet tracks.

It captures the feelings of a man who invites the girl he likes to a festival, with vivid scenes and character portrayals that spark the listener’s imagination, and a poignant melody that quickens the heartbeat from a male point of view.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to during summer festivals and fireworks season.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo (Short Ver.)

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai

It’s a cute, pop signature song by Ai Otsuka that likens cherries to a couple.

It’s a classic everyone knows.

I bet many people have sung it at karaoke at least once.

Ai Otsuka has also released many other songs with food in the title, such as “PEACH” and “Kuroge Wagyu Jo-Shio Tongue Yaki 680 Yen.”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Magical Cooking ~From You to You~BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Magic Cooking ~From You to You~”

Magical Cooking ~From You to You~BUMP OF CHICKEN

A nostalgic piece that brings back the taste of dinners from childhood.

It’s a song by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, known for hits like “Tentai Kansoku,” released in 2010 as their 16th single.

It was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” creating quite a buzz.

The lyrics convey messages from an adult self to the self of the past, and as the song progresses, it’s hard not to get teary-eyed.

It’s a wonderful, classic ballad that revives the things we’ve unknowingly forgotten in everyday life.

Please try listening to it with your family.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

macaroniPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Macaroni”

macaroniPerfume

It’s a mid-tempo love number that sings about a cute wish: to stay at a comfortable distance—not too close, not too far.

It’s a song by the dance-vocal group Perfume, released in 2008 as a double A-side single, “Baby cruising Love / Macaroni.” The snappy sound work, where stylishness and retro vibes mingle, leaves a strong impression.

It feels like something you’d describe as poised between digital and analog.

A gentle relationship, like softly simmered macaroni… it’s something to long for, isn’t it?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

[Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use food names (41–50)

CANDY CANDYkyarī pamyu pamyu

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – CANDY CANDY, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – CANDY CANDY

CANDY CANDYkyarī pamyu pamyu

This is the second single by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who is now wildly popular worldwide.

Does it depict a sweet love like the title “CANDY”? With its catchy, distinctive worldview, it seems to be used as background music in various places.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Today’s soupOizumi Yo with STARDUST REVUE

Today's soup

Today's soupOizumi Yo with STARDUST REVUE

This is a collaboration song by popular actor Yo Oizumi and the music group STARDUST REVUE, released as a single in 2004.

The song was born from the Hokkaido radio program “R.” Based on submissions from listeners, Yo Oizumi wrote the lyrics and Kaname Nemoto of STARDUST REVUE composed the music.

It sings about the happiness of walking down a snowy road with the one you love.

Hokkaido is famous for its soup curry, you know.

I’m sure the two people in the song went on to enjoy some delicious soup curry afterward.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem