[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 Songs] A selection of tracks featuring food in the lyrics! (41–50)
Salad for youDREAMS COME TRUE
A gentle song about the dinner table that soothes the heart with its light rhythm and warm lyrics.
Featured on DREAMS COME TRUE’s 1991 album “MILLION KISSES,” this track depicts everyday happiness through making a salad.
It lovingly details the act of cooking for someone special, and just listening might make you want to start cooking yourself.
Perfect for livening up a karaoke session or as relaxing background music.
A heartwarming song recommended for those who cherish time spent with a loved one.
[Rice Songs] A selection of tracks that feature food in the lyrics! (51–60)
I LIKE SUSHI Pt.2SHO
A track that expresses a love for sushi over a breezy beat.
Included on SHO’s “GOLD MONEY,” this song was released in July 2024.
It name-drops all kinds of sushi toppings and joyfully sings about the deliciousness of sushi and the depth of its culture.
The lyrics brim with humor, and the sound fuses hip-hop and reggaeton.
It’s recommended not only for sushi lovers but also for anyone interested in Japanese food culture.
You might find yourself craving sushi as you listen.
The song also highlights international connections and peace through the lens of sushi.
It’s a fun track that lets you feel Japan’s pride.
Rice practiceRyou to kirin
This is a song from the anime Koufuku Graffiti, which depicts the story of girls growing closer through shared meals.
It’s sung by Rina Satou and Asuka Ookame, who voice the main characters.
The use of tableware as musical instruments is a distinctive feature.
It’s a cute food-themed song.
~Yaizu Black Hanpen~ Black Hanpen OndoMinato Hachirō & Chigusa Kaori
This is a lively bon-odori-style song themed around kuro-hanpen, a specialty of Yaizu City.
It modernizes the traditional Japanese ondō format, beautifully blending Hachirō Minato’s hometown pride with Kaori Chigusa’s lovely vocals.
The lyrics are packed with the charms of Yaizu—Suruga Bay, Mount Fuji, and fish dancing on the Kuroshio Current—so vivid that the scenes come to life as you listen.
Released in February 2024, the song also helps share the region’s food culture and strengthen community bonds.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel the seasonal spirit of Yaizu or is interested in local gourmet specialties.
Song of Melon Panyuppi
Anpan is filled with sweet red bean paste, so why doesn’t melon bread have any melon in it? Yuppi turned that bread mystery—something everyone wonders at least once—straight into a song.
Astonishingly, she wrote the lyrics and music and even played the guitar herself when she was just nine years old.
The humorous lyrics, born from a child’s pure perspective, make you nod and think, “So true!” It’s a highly relatable track.
Released as a single in October 2007, it became widely known after gaining attention on the radio.
This piece sets an everyday “why?” to a gentle melody.
It’s a heartwarming song to listen to when you feel like quietly musing over your thoughts while eating some bread.
Yamagata Traditional Vegetable OndoHanda Giken
This is a song that expresses gratitude and respect for the farmers who support Yamagata’s rich food culture, set to a lively, cheerful ondo rhythm.
With its clear vocals and comical tone, many listeners will find their hearts lifted just by listening.
The piece was created around May 2020.
JA Yamagata also took part, and you can feel the warm intention of the entire community to promote the region’s food culture.
The lyrics feature a parade of traditional vegetables, making it irresistible for anyone interested in Yamagata’s cuisine.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to sing along with their children and have fun learning about their local bounty.
RicesmileDJ misoshiru to MC gohan
It’s a song that joyfully conveys how being able to enjoy delicious meals leads to everyday smiles.
The title is a simple play on words combining “rice” and “smile,” and the lyrics are filled with various rice- and meal-related terms.
Its light rhythm and overlapping children’s chorus add to the fun, while also conveying the importance of communication fostered through sharing meals.
It’s a piece that clearly expresses how rice is beloved by people and effectively communicates the importance of rice.
