Pop queen Madonna is so passionate about Japan and its delicious cuisine - she takes a Japanese cook with her everywhere she goes.

The HUNG UP hitmaker, whose song SORRY from new album CONFESSIONS ON A DANCEFLOOR contains Japanese lyrics, credits her love of oriental food with helping her maintain a supple and youthful figure.

Speaking in Tokyo yesterday (7DEC05), Madonna said, "I've always been very interested in Japanese culture.

"Some of my videos, some of my performances on stage have been inspired by Japanese cinema, martial arts, Japanese music, Japanese fashion, Japanese food.

"I love Japanese food. I have a Japanese cook in London that travels everywhere with me.

"I probably eat more Japanese food than you do."