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' (161–170)
imaseNagisa
A dance tune by singer-songwriter imase that evokes 1980s city pop.
Set against the glittering backdrop of an urban night, the song portrays a protagonist who’s truly crazy about their partner but can’t be honest—masking real feelings with bold words.
From its retro synths and breezy brass tones to lyrics that capture the bittersweet push-and-pull of love, every slice radiates a stylish, summer vibe.
Released in May 2023 and included on the album “Bonsai,” this track is sure to make a summer night drive feel special and unforgettable.
Yeah! Super HolidayAya Matsuura
This is a summer tune by Aya Matsuura, featuring a piercingly bright singing voice and a catchy melody that lifts your mood just by listening.
Released in May 2002 as her sixth single, it was also used in a commercial for Takahashi Shoten.
The song straightforwardly expresses the protagonist’s excitement before summer break, eagerly anticipating the start of a romance.
Brimming with the positive energy of “Don’t overthink it—let’s enjoy this moment to the fullest!”, this track is a must for the perfect holiday when you want to hype things up with friends, whether you’re driving or having a barbecue.
ifKana Nishino
“If” has a melody that conveys a poignant feeling right from the intro—it’s such a beautiful song.
It’s the piece my student practiced the most, and it holds special memories because they said, “I want to sing with a beautiful voice like Kana-yan’s!” and overcame their struggle with falsetto.
The highest note in this song is D#5, which is of course high, but I think the improvised falsetto lines at the beginning and end can be tough if you’re not used to them, since they’re sung with various articulations.
Those ad-lib sections sound so beautiful, so it’s worth nailing them.
With themes like “fateful encounters” and “hopes for the future,” I’d love for you to sing it to someone important to you.
Just being alive is a reward.Thelma Aoyama
This song is the one that gently gives me a push when I feel like luck isn’t on my side.
Released by Thelma Aoyama in December 2019, it draws its lyrics from the “messages for living happily” she wrote in her own essays.
Set to a soothing R&B-pop melody, the words wash over you with wholehearted affirmation.
It became one of her signature tracks, to the point that it was later included on the album Scorpion Moon.
When you’re feeling down or losing confidence, listening to it will surely lift your spirits.
Treat yourself and give it a listen.
Ikisara SAY!PICKLES
It’s a burst of playful, exhilarating power pop that makes you want to shout along without even thinking! This track comes from PICKLES, a girls’ band from Takatsuki, Osaka, featured on their 2020 album “Don Namon JAY!!”.
The boundless, sunny energy—just like in the music video where they play energetically in a midsummer room—lifts your spirits just by listening.
The tambourine and whistle create a festive atmosphere, as if condensing the best summer day spent with friends.
It’s a perfect song for a summer drive, too.
even ifKen Hirai
It’s a song by Ken Hirai that conjures up the image of a man at a bar counter, tilting his glass and hiding his true feelings as he sits beside someone gazing at their lover’s ring.
You can almost feel the protagonist’s painful frustration as he wishes they’d miss the last train, yet swallows the words instead.
Released in December 2000, the track reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart and is also included on the classic album “gaining through losing.” For those entangled in a forbidden love—knowing it won’t come true yet unable to stop their growing feelings—this song may quietly keep you company.
A fleeting fireworkNGT48
NGT48, the Niigata-based idol group, released their 10th single “Isshun no Hanabi” in August 2024.
It drew attention for featuring the group’s first-ever triple center, led by Miyu Fujisaki, Nanami Otsuka, and Haruka Ogose.
The song portrays the fleeting sadness of a transient love, mirrored in fireworks that bloom in the night sky only to vanish in an instant.
Its mid-tempo, slightly nostalgic melody deftly captures both the glittering memories and the loneliness that follows.
It’s a beautiful, ephemeral piece that perfectly evokes the feelings at summer’s end—an outstanding track to savor on long autumn nights.