[Rice Songs] A selection of tracks where food appears in the lyrics!
There are songs created around all sorts of themes—love, life, youth—but in fact, there are also plenty that focus on food.
And even within “food,” the approaches vary widely: from humorous tracks that simply sing about a favorite dish, to moving pieces that portray both personal stories and emotions tied to food.
In this article, we’ve gathered songs whose lyrics feature food.
As you read the lyrics, take your time listening—and try uncovering the hidden “underlying themes” tucked beneath the surface theme of “food.”
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[Rice/Supper Songs] A selection of tracks featuring food in the lyrics! (11–20)
Salad of HappinessFukuyama Masaharu
A CM song by Masaharu Fukuyama for Kewpie Half that warmly portrays joyful moments at the dining table.
Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar and a light, lively rhythm, it expresses gratitude for vegetables and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.
Featured on the December 2020 album “AKIRA,” the song carries a message of rediscovering the small happiness found in everyday life.
It’s a recommended track for those who cherish family meals or wish to convey appreciation to someone through cooking.
The doorbell isn’t ringing.kyarī pamyu pamyu
This work delicately portrays the feelings of a woman who, with all her heart, makes stew for her lover, conveyed through descriptions of the ingredients and the cooking process.
Included on the album “Moshi Moshi Harajuku,” Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s song carefully expresses the loneliness and anxiety of someone who waits in vain, as well as her thoughts for her lover.
The way each ingredient is listed with care conveys the depth of her feelings for the other person.
Anyone who has ever cooked for someone important, or waited for someone at a meeting place, will likely find themselves deeply resonating with the world of this piece.
paprikaSakamoto Maaya
It’s a bossa nova tune that makes standing in the kitchen feel fun.
Sung by Maaya Sakamoto, who is active as a voice actress and singer, this track is included on the album “Yuunagi LOOP,” released in October 2005.
The lyrics are by Yuho Iwasato, with composition and arrangement by Takeshi Nakatsuka, and it’s pleasantly finished with Koichiro Tashiro’s acoustic guitar tones and a light, buoyant rhythm.
And Sakamoto’s vocals are truly cool and captivating.
The lyrics, which depict hands at work cooking and everyday scenes, convey the warmth of time spent with someone special.
Eat some sushi!Shibugakitai
A signature hit by Shibugakitai that fires off sushi toppings like a rap, fusing a distinctive rhythm with Japanese food culture into a fresh take on pop music.
Its uniquely witty lyrics—sure to make anyone grin—pair with lively shouts to create a joy-filled track.
Released in February 1986, it became a social phenomenon: despite the record not yet being out, the song was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and Fuji TV even produced a drama of the same title for its Monday Drama Land slot.
With its catchy beat and playful lyrics, this is a guaranteed mood-lifter for when you’re feeling down or low on energy.
My curry is the best in the world.SECRET GUYZ
It’s an electronic tune that celebrates the joy of eating.
It’s a track by the music group SECRET GUYZ, released as a single in 2016.
The upbeat sound really gets you hyped just by listening.
The lyrics are full of humor, but the chorus melody, overall vibe, and structure are so cool that your body starts swaying naturally.
If you listen to this while wondering what to have for dinner tonight, you might end up choosing curry without a second thought.
It’s extremely hot.Higuchi Ai
This is a song by singer-songwriter Ai Higuchi, who grew up in Nagano Prefecture.
It was included as the lead track on her 2017 EP “Mousho desu e.p.” It’s a slightly bittersweet love song about feelings for someone you like and the delicate distance between you.
It’ll make you crave tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet).
[Rice Songs] A selection of tracks featuring food in the lyrics! (21–30)
I want to eat ham.kururi
At first glance, the title seems comical, but the more you listen, the more it resonates.
It’s a track included on the album “Waltz o Odore Tanz Walzer,” released in June 2007.
Recorded in Vienna, the piece exquisitely matches a relaxed rhythm with a worldview depicting the futility of everyday life.
If you want to enjoy melancholic, mature rock, this is definitely one to hear.