[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.
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[Food Songs] Popular Japanese songs that use food names (51–60)
A plate of porkGRAPEVINE
It’s a staple of GRAPEVINE’s live shows, included on their sixth album.
The song starts with a mysterious vibe and gradually builds into a harder, rock-driven sound, making it a fan favorite.
The guitar and bass parts are really cool, too.
Melon juiceHKT48
This is HKT48’s second single and can be considered one of their signature songs.
It has a bright, upbeat tone with many young members, giving it a full-on idol vibe, but the intense headbanging in the chorus is a fresh experiment, isn’t it? They took first place on the Oricon charts with their first two releases in a row after debuting, which was reportedly only the fourth time in history that had happened.
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
As one of AKB48’s signature songs, its catchy phrases and easy-to-dance choreography—shown in the music video with people from all walks of life dancing—sparked a buzz and resonated across generations.
It also became a karaoke staple and enjoyed a long-running hit.
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
The talent of Hitoshi Matsumoto, who can write lyrics like these, truly knows no bounds.
With Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada handling the main vocals, the renowned Noriyuki Makihara composing and doing the chorus, and, as mentioned, Hitoshi Matsumoto writing the lyrics, this song “Chicken Rice,” released in 2004 under the name “Masatoshi Hamada and Noriyuki Makihara,” is an unconventional Christmas song.
There’s not a single gag in it; it’s said that Makihara was moved to tears when he read the lyrics depicting episodes from Matsumoto’s own impoverished childhood.
Listening to it, you end up craving chicken rice—not turkey or cake.
By the way, younger listeners might find it odd that Hamada is the one singing, but he teamed up with Tetsuya Komuro in the 1990s and released a massive hit, so he delivers a truly commanding vocal performance here.
[Food Songs] Popular Japanese Songs That Use Food Names (61–70)
One bread, please.Matsu Takako
A number by Takako Matsu that portrays the complex feelings after spending a night with someone you love.
At dawn, after her beloved confesses and she finally accepts those feelings, the protagonist makes tea and eats just a single piece of bread.
That simple meal conveys a tangle of emotions—guilt, irrepressible joy, and sudden emptiness—and it’s heartbreakingly poignant.
Featured on the October 2003 album “harvest songs,” the piece is distinguished by its gentle jazz-waltz melody and Matsu’s clear, lullaby-like voice.
When you’re struggling with unrequited love, listening alone at daybreak will surely resonate.
Why not use this song to quietly take another look at your own feelings?
I walked home across the birthday cake.Chatmonchy
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this is a classic by Chatmonchy that laid the foundation for modern girls’ bands.
The song has a charming, memorable intro.
The title gives a pop, almost fantastical impression, and the melody is catchy and bright, but if you listen closely to the lyrics, you realize it’s not quite so simple.
RECIPEYamashita Tatsuro
This is the first single of the Reiwa era from Japan’s proud genius musician, Tatsuro Yamashita—known affectionately as Yama-Tatsu.
From the title “RECIPE,” you might imagine a food-themed track, but the lyrics brilliantly compare love for a special someone to a recipe, making it a quintessential Yamashita-style adult love song.
Written as the theme for Takuya Kimura’s drama “Grand Maison Tokyo,” with whom Yamashita is known to have a personal connection, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring “Tatsuro-kun,” a CG character modeled after Yamashita.
How about using this track as background music for a leisurely dinner?