味之素 [Mei ji sou] [English translation]

The fast food on Meiji-Dōri1 uses it

The housewives in Sarugakuchō2 also use it

Everyone who wants to make delicious food

On the stove, in the cupboard

There's always a bucket of it

Two spoonfuls into a Buta no Kakuni3, and the thumb wiggles

All fried vegetables in Japan are guaranteed to contain it

Even the tongue tips are acclimatised to it

As if it's gourmet food in a bottle

Why won't you even touch it?

Why does a passionate kiss have to be with a real lover?

Who says the news supply the nutrients of truth?

The sweet dream is already so vivid, why does it have to be true?

Even if it's fake, I want it

Even if it makes my mouth dry, I want it

All five meals of the day heavily processed

How should I get used to it?

Too little flavouring! (My) taste's getting selective

Wall Street, Tonghua Street4, they all use it

Ox-tongue pastry5, braised shark's fin with chicken and abalone, they all have it

If you, for the rest of your life

Can become a rubbish bin

(You can) enjoy good food for every meal

It's stirring my bowels up; this MSG is not too thick

Blandness kills; half a bottle of vinegar is not enough

Go on the internet for a while, watch a movie, it is attached in the package without exception

It seeps into you, seeps into me, and circulates around the globe

Even if it's fake, I want it

Even if it makes my mouth dry, I want it

All five meals of the day heavily processed

How should I get used to it?

Too little flavouring! I can't resist!

I don't want what's real

Perhaps I just can't digest it

What's fake is so savoury

Who's so noble to eat noodles in pure water?

Or have you quit sugar, salt and hot sauce all together?

1. (Japanese: 明治通) A major road in central Tokyo2. (Japanese: 猿楽町) A district in Chiyoda, Tokyo3. (JA: 豚の角煮) Braised pork in Kyūshū style4. (Chinese languages: 通化街) A famous night food market in Taipei5. (Cantonese: 牛脷酥) Does not actually contain ox tongue; also called Chinese doughnut

• Artist:Eason Chan