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 that begin with “I” (111–120)
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi
For people in their 60s, the most popular idol is probably Momoe Yamaguchi.
She left behind many classic songs, and “Ii Hi Tabidachi” is especially recommended as a catchy piece that anyone can sing.
While it’s not an upbeat track, the vocal range sits at mid1F to hiC, which is comfortable for female vocals, so most people can sing it in the original key.
The melody doesn’t have extreme pitch changes either, so try singing it together with your karaoke friends.
I can't sayshikido
I want to tell the person I like how I feel, but I just can’t put it into words.
Haven’t we all experienced that frustrating feeling? This song by Vocaloid producer shikido delicately portrays those hidden emotions in the heart.
Hatsune Miku’s crystal-clear vocals and the pop sound tinged with wistfulness highlight the purity of those feelings.
If you listen to it when you can’t bring yourself to confess, you’ll likely see yourself in the protagonist.
Ikebukuro SunshineWHITE JAM
This is a July 2025 release from WHITE JAM, a mixed-gender vocal unit known for their realistic, heartrending lyrics that resonate with many.
Set in the iconic urban locale of Ikebukuro Sunshine, it paints the protagonist’s delicate, wavering emotions amid the flow of passersby, carried by their signature R&B sound.
Even as they resolve to part with their lover, they still wait for them.
.
.
The painful scene comes into focus, and it really tightens your chest.
It especially hits on nights when you want to sink into sentimentality or when you feel like revisiting past loves.
Life, radiantMomoko Osawa
This is a heartfelt song delivered by Momoko Osawa.
Also active as a disaster-prevention specialist, she sincerely engages with the theme of “life,” conveying its preciousness and radiance through her emotive vocals.
Listening to it, you feel a warm courage welling up, as if you can overcome any hardship.
Released as a single in July 2025, the arrangement is by Masakane Tsuta, who teamed up with her on the previous work, “Ichigo.” If you listen to it when your heart feels tired or when you want to reaffirm your bonds with someone important, it will surely lift your spirits.
Event HorizonMomoiro Clover Z
This is a song by Momoiro Clover Z chosen as the theme for the arcade card game Mobile Suit Gundam ARSENAL BASE FORSQUAD.
Released in July 2025 as their 23rd single.
Just hearing the intro—where razor‑edged synths and drums explode—gives you a sense that an epic story is about to unfold.
The lyrics, themed around fate and unavoidable battles, reflect the weight of the group’s 17-year history, stirring the hearts of listeners.
When you’re facing challenges or need to fire yourself up, listening to it will surely fill you with courage!
coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)Ikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s “Irodori” is set for release in April 2025 and will be used as a commercial song for the Odakyu Group.
Some of you may already find it familiar.
One of the song’s features is that it builds steadily from the A verse to the B verse to the chorus, making it easy for anyone to grasp the flow and imagine how to sing it.
In classic Ikimono-gakari fashion, it’s bright and energetic, with long tones that feel great to listen to.
When singing, pay attention to the swung rhythm.
From the B section into the chorus, the way you feel the beat shifts little by little, so rather than counting in 4/4, it may be easier to lock into the melody by feeling it in 2/4 as “1, 2, 1, 2.” The phrases aren’t heavily connected, so it’s also easy to take breaths.
Don’t forget to inhale, and project your voice clearly!
Itako LullabyHarumi Miyako
This is a lyrical song by Harumi Miyako, one of Japan’s leading enka singers, that vividly evokes the scenery of Itako City in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The wistful tones of the shamisen and the unhurried melody are like a boat gliding quietly through the waters of the Itako marshlands.
This song is more than a simple lullaby.
It beautifully weaves together the sorrow of seeing someone off as they depart from the port and the deep maternal love that wishes for the healthy growth of the child held in her arms.
Beneath the gentle refrain of “nen-nen korori” lies a yearning for the one who is leaving and a prayer for the child’s future.
It is a timeless masterpiece that softly awakens in listeners the landscapes of their hometown and warm feelings for their family.