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

Marshmallow dayMr.Children

Mr.Children「Marshmallow day」Mr.Children［(an imitation) blood orange］Tour

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.

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KOH-1

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Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai “Japanese Rice Is the Best in the World”

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.

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kappamaki

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Sushi and sakeYONA YONA WEEKENDERS

YONA YONA WEEKENDERS “Sushi and Sake” Music Video

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

Official HIGE DANDism – Mixed Nuts [Official Video]

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.

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yamamoto

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Ice Cream SyndromeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Ice Cream Syndrome” (Short ver.)

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?

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Araki Jakkan

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Eat bread and honey.Kuramubon

Clammbon “Have Some Bread and Honey” (Official Music Video)

A song by clammbon in which bread and honey appear in both the title and the lyrics.

Harada Ikuko’s vocals, with their distinctive resonance, are striking, as is the airy sound that seems to accentuate them.

The song conveys a sense of exhilaration at the vast natural scenery unfolding before you and the anticipation of what lies beyond.

Bread appears as something easy to eat outdoors, which also makes the adventure depicted in the song feel familiar and close at hand.

It’s a track with a mysterious worldview, where excitement and unease seem to mingle.

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kappamaki

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CharlotteSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Charlotte'

It’s a poppy, catchy track that practically wafts with a sweet aroma.

Riding a light, bouncy house beat, it expresses the joy of eating chocolate through music.

Inspired by Charlotte from Goethe’s novel, it sings about the small happinesses in everyday life and a positive, uplifting energy.

Released in August 2024, it also drew attention as the tie-in song for Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate commercial.

It might even remind some listeners of the “Charlotte” nama-chocolate Lotte used to sell, or the classic French dessert charlotte.

It’s perfect for munching chocolate while you listen, and also great when you need a boost or a change of pace—you might just find yourself breaking into a dance!