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” (1–10)
Eenie Meenie Lost ChildNEW!Ookami Mio
A song released in October 2025 by Mio Ookami, a VTuber from hololive, was chosen as the theme for the third cour of the TV anime “Nmeneko.” Written, composed, and arranged by Akki, its gently phrased lyrics weave in feelings about choices, adventures, and cherishing time spent with loved ones.
Don’t miss the adorable animated music video by Gomahichi.
It’s an anime pop track that will make your heart skip.
threadNEW!Miyuki Nakajima
“Ito” is a song sung by every generation.
It was released in 1992, but it’s often used at weddings and in TV dramas, making it a ballad loved across generations.
The vocal range isn’t very wide—F3 to A#4—centered in the midrange, with the low notes being key.
If you sing it in a speaking voice, you’ll end up straining your throat, so aim to sing with a proper singing voice.
The tempo is very slow, so stay calm and take a breath at the end of each phrase.
Instead of “pushing out your voice,” focus on “using your breath” to project forward.
In fact, every consonant in the Japanese ha-row (ha, hi, fu, he, ho) uses breath in its articulation.
If you try singing everything with the “ha” sound for clarity, you might grasp the feeling of “Oh, so this is what it means to use breath!” Give it a try as a reference.
Ishikari ElegyNEW!Mirei Kitahara
A classic song set in Ishikari, Hokkaido, portraying a man devoted to the herring fishery and the bittersweet feelings of the woman who stays by his side.
Released in June 1975 as Mirei Kitahara’s eighth single, it won both the Lyricist Award and the Arrangement Award at the Tokyo Music Festival.
Rei Nakanishi’s lyrically rich words, Keisuke Hama’s wistful melody, and Shunichi Makaino’s emotionally charged arrangement come together as one to dramatically express the sorrow and resignation of people who live by the northern sea.
Brimming with deep lyricism that conjures images of mending nets on a snow-swept winter shore, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to quietly reflect on the scenes of the Showa era.
Songs that start with “I.” Great tracks beginning with “I” (11–20)
In My TownNEW!Mr.Children
A languid, bittersweet ballad that quietly gazes at the year-end cityscape.
It’s a track by Mr.
Children included on the album “(an imitation) blood orange,” beginning with a gentle, piano-centered arrangement and building in the latter half as full band sounds layer in.
The restrained use of strings accentuates an undercurrent of uncontainable restlessness and loneliness.
Released in November 2012, the album sold about 530,000 copies in its first week and ranked eighth on the year-end chart.
Although it had no tie-ins, the lyrics—which sing of the year-end atmosphere and complex feelings toward society—gradually seep into the listener’s heart.
It’s a recommended song for moments at the close of the year when you want to quietly reflect on the city and your own state of mind.
No, it’s ankake fried rice.Namautan
A humor-filled piece that makes you blurt out, “Huh?” and ask again.
Created by illustrator–animator–Vocaloid producer Namautan, based on words by Premium Gorou, the track was released in September 2025.
The contrast—and deliberate misalignment—between the polished sound arrangement and the ever-deepening riddle of the lyrics creates an addictive pull.
On top of that, Kasane Teto’s matter-of-fact vocal delivery further highlights the surreal world the song paints.
Give it a listen when you want to empty your mind.
Naughty SunNEW!ORANGE RANGE
For men in their late twenties and older, ORANGE RANGE is likely a particularly nostalgic band.
They have many great songs, but the one I especially recommend is “Ikenai Taiyō.” It’s a rap-rock track with a slightly comical touch, and both the chorus and its hook phrase deliver an outstanding lift.
It’s generally an easy song to sing, but since there’s a key change from the intro to the first verse, those who feel unsure should practice it a few times.
“It’s fine for now.” ft. KAFUMIMI
When your heart is tired and you don’t want to try anymore… this is what I want you to listen to on nights like that.
It’s a song by MIMI, a Vocaloid producer known for a tender, compassionate musicality, released in December 2022.
With a beautiful piano melody and a warm vocal that feels close by, it gently eases the tension in your heart.
Many listeners will surely find solace in its message, which wholly affirms the fear of dawn and the tendency to put on a brave face.
In just about two and a half minutes, it’s filled with a kindness that softly embraces you just as you are.