Songs whose titles start with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I'.
I’m going to introduce songs with titles that start with “i” (the Japanese syllable pronounced ee)!
When you think of “i,” words like ichigo (strawberry), iruka (dolphin), and iro (color) come to mind, so it’s not a particularly tricky letter even in shiritori, right?
But what about when it comes to song titles?
Actually, there are plenty of songs whose titles start with “i”!
In this article, I’ve gathered a variety of Japanese songs—both old and new—whose titles begin with “i.”
You might even find some you listen to regularly.
Feel free to use this as a reference when playing song-title shiritori and the like!
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “I.”
- Songs with titles starting with “Ki” [Great for karaoke & shiritori!]
- Songs with titles that start with “Su.” A collection of tracks useful for shiritori.
- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
- Songs with titles that start with “Chi.” Useful as hints for word-chain games!
- Songs with titles starting with “E” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ki”
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
- Songs with titles that start with a number. Useful for karaoke or playlist selection.
- Vocaloid Songs for When You Want to Cry [Moving and Heart-wrenching]
- Songs that start with the letter “Shi.” Perfect for shiritori or karaoke!
- A roundup of songs with titles that start with “N” [There are actually more than you’d expect!!]
- Collection of song titles that start with 'Ni'
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Masterpieces beginning with “I” (71–80)
I can't sayiri
Singer-songwriter iri, who effortlessly rides alternative R&B and hip-hop and captivates listeners with her uniquely husky voice.
Released in November 2020, this track follows the album “Sparkle” and is a mid-tempo number that portrays the frustration of being unable to say what you feel in love.
The lyrics weave together faded memories symbolized by Polaroid photos and the present emotions you want to express but can’t, making it easy for many listeners to see their own experiences reflected.
A simple, sophisticated, and groovy beat melds with her somewhat wistful, soulful vocals to create an ennui-tinged atmosphere.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you can’t be honest, or when a sudden memory sends you into a sentimental mood.
Good Child's Birthday SongMarie Ueda
If you’re looking for a birthday song with a heartwarming piano tone and a sophisticated pop arrangement, I recommend a track by singer-songwriter Marie Ueda.
Released in September 2020, this song was born from a special project in which Ueda composed and completed it within 25 hours to celebrate her own 30th birthday.
Carried by the piano’s gentle melody, it conveys the excitement of facing a birthday cake and a warm message about cherishing this once-in-a-lifetime day.
It’s perfect for celebrating in a calm, intimate atmosphere rather than at a lively party.
Consider choosing it as background music to quietly convey your heartfelt feelings to a dear friend or partner.
Closest to meHY
This is the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Jun to Ai, created by HY, a band from Okinawa.
Its lyrics, which depict bonds deepened by belief and the preciousness of the love right beside us, resonate with the heroine’s pure determination as she faces hardships, making the story all the more moving.
Included on the album Route 29 released in December 2012, the song is a classic—there’s even an anecdote that the executive producer praised it as “the number one theme song in the history of morning dramas.” Lead actress Nana also commented that she “couldn’t stop getting goosebumps,” speaking to the song’s powerful impact.
Always by my sideFANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE
It’s the theme song for the movie “Next-Door Stella,” released for streaming on August 6, 2025.
Among FANTASTICS’ songs, its difficulty is relatively easy, centering on a comfortable mid-range that naturally suits male voices.
The tempo is relaxed and flows smoothly, so even beginners can sing it with confidence.
There are spots where you switch from chest voice to falsetto, and the overall vibe is gentle, so when you sing, try to keep it light with the sensation of resonating in your head.
Humming makes this very clear, so it’s highly recommended.
Once you can hum without tension using your breath, you’ll be able to control your airflow better, making those transitions much smoother.
After you get used to humming, turn that same sensation into your singing voice and get a feel for it!
Idaten Main ThemeYoshihide Otomo
This is the theme song of the 2019 NHK Taiga drama Idaten: Tokyo Olympic Story.
The composer is Yoshihide Otomo, who also worked on the music for the morning drama Amachan.
The triumphant opening fanfare and the whirlwind of shifting rhythms perfectly embody the protagonists who keep running like fleet-footed messengers.
Even without lyrics, their passion and breath come through directly.
The piece is included on the album Original Soundtrack: Part 1, released in March 2019.
It’s a rousing anthem that gives a powerful push to anyone striving toward their goals.
I can't even breatheZARD
This ZARD classic sets the chest-tightening, heart-racing moment of falling in love to a driving rock sound.
It captures a straightforward love so consuming that you can’t think of anything but the other person.
The lyrics sparkle with the early stages of romance, and Izumi Sakai’s vocals—combining clarity with strength—leave a lasting impression.
Released in March 1998 as their 24th single, it became widely known as the opening theme for the anime “Chuuka Ichiban!” and reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Listen to it as a fight song when you’re about to take on something new, and you’ll surely feel courage welling up from deep within.
A Colorful WorldJUDY AND MARY
A quintessential autumn ballad by JUDY AND MARY, a rock band that defined the ’90s.
Released as a single from the acclaimed 1998 album “POP LIFE” in September of that year, it peaked at No.
11 on the Oricon charts.
Its heartrending, tear-jerking melody and YUKI’s expressive vocals perfectly mirror the autumn scenery of turning leaves and swirling foliage.
When you’re in a sentimental mood, this song is sure to keep you company.