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” (141–150)
the livingohashiTrio
This is a track by Ohashi Trio whose weighty piano and strings conjure scenes as if you were watching a film.
It was written as the theme song for the drama Detective Romance, which aired from January 2023 and starred Gaku Hamada.
Depicting the romance of people living through difficult times and the vitality that drives them toward the future, the piece was later included on the EP Karatachi no Yume.
Its message—offering prayers to sorrow and urging us to bloom powerfully with a pure, unadorned heart—feels as if it gently envelops us.
When you find yourself stuck in an uncertain situation, this song will surely give you the energy to rise again.
charmingRingo Sheena
This piece was released in April 2022 as the ending theme for Ojarumaru, an anime long beloved on NHK E-Tele.
Ringo Sheena and the anime both began in 1998 as “同期” (peers who started in the same year), making this a heartwarming collaboration to celebrate their 25th anniversaries.
With only piano and vocals, its simple arrangement unfolds a lyrical world that evokes twilight scenes and a sense of nostalgia.
Dedicated to the adorable characters, the song blends literary depth with charming sweetness—an unmistakably Ringo Sheena worldview.
It’s a track that offers a warm moment, as if reminding you of something precious.
INNOCENTArea
Many of you probably remember the late-1980s band scene.
Among them, AREA made a striking impression on the TV show Ikasu Band Tengoku.
Their gritty sound—evoking 1960s garage rock and standing apart from the prevailing trends of the time—felt incredibly fresh.
With a retro vibe that seemed to run counter to the era and performances so energetic they felt hurled at you with their whole bodies, they had an unforgettable, addictive quality after just one viewing.
Even after a drummer change, their momentum never waned; if anything, they grew more powerful, drawing audiences in irresistibly.
They’re a band that music fans who “just want to be blown away by insanely cool playing” absolutely need to hear.
Songs whose titles start with 'I'. Masterpieces that start with 'I' (151–160)
Rhyme Wave Phrase DisciplesCHEHON
Osaka reggae anthem “Inbakuto.” I think it’s rare for people who were in their 20s to have enjoyed it in real time when it was released, but there are probably many who discovered it through CHEHON’s participation in MC battles.
Although the track is structured with few break points, its vocal range is narrow, so as long as you memorize the lyrics and flow, you should be able to sing it without any issues.
It’s a sure-fire hit for guys’ karaoke, so definitely add it to your repertoire.
Relay of LifeMiyuki Nakajima
This is a work that deeply stirs the listener’s heart, themed around the grand chain of life.
After being performed in the 2004 stage production Yakai, the song was included on the acclaimed 2005 November release Tensei TEN-SEI.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the New Year’s special on Friday Prestige, A Woman’s Lifetime: Chiaki Mukai—The Woman Who Chased Her Dream into Space.
Even dreams that cannot be fulfilled in a single lifetime are passed on like a baton to the next generation.
That gentle yet stern message really sets the heart aflame.
It’s a profound masterpiece that feels like a quiet push on your back when you reach a crossroads in life.
I don't mean to sound surprised, but...Matsumura Kanau
“You’re my reason to live—I love you unbearably.” It’s a very heartwarming love song that captures everyday moments with a live-in partner.
Watching him, a little absent-minded yet earnestly trying to express his love in his own clumsy way, you can’t help but smile.
Kanau Matsumura’s gentle vocals beautifully convey this warm worldview.
Released in October 2024, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring comedian Donguri Takeshi and actress Non Nagisa.
After listening, you might find your partner’s little slip-ups even more endearing than before.
INTRODUCTIONBOØWY
An instrumental track with experimental sounds that captivates the heart.
It’s the opening song of the debut album “MORAL,” released in March 1982.
It’s said that this piece was added at the very end by guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, who wanted to include it as a song that pays respect to BOØWY, when the album was nearly complete.
The avant-garde, provocative sound seems to embody the band’s strong will to “belong nowhere,” and it really leaves an impression.
If you listen to it before the start of something new, you might feel a rush of exhilaration, as if their early impulses were taking hold of you.