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 that start with “I.” Great tracks beginning with “I” (11–20)
A lot happened, butNEW!Maiku Tachibana
Recommended for those who love urban, chill tracks.
This piece by Vocaloid producer Maiku Tachibana, known for work rooted in electronica and experimental music, was released in May 2024.
The song portrays someone who, despite experiencing loneliness and setbacks in an imperfect everyday life, rises again in pursuit of a better self.
Its introspective message intertwines with the beat to create a one-of-a-kind soundscape.
Another highlight is how Hatsune Miku’s soft vocals blend seamlessly into the chill groove.
each5≠1ÅNEW!Usa Blue
An exquisite R&B-flavored number where sophisticated piano melodies intertwine with an urban beat.
Created by UsaBlue, a producer well-versed in classical and jazz, it was released in August 2017.
Over its mature chord progressions, Kaai Yuki delivers a heartrending melody—the contrast is superb.
The lyrics depict the frustratingly delicate relationship between two girls, drawing you deeply into its subtle world.
Why not give it a careful listen while gazing out the window at night?
Inn at ItakoNEW!KAZUNARI KAWASHIMA
This debut work was released to the world by Kazunari Kawashima from Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, after passing the NHK audition.
Released in April 1983, the piece was crafted into a classic, orthodox enka that evokes the ambiance of the waterways, with lyrics by veteran Tadao Hirayama and composition by Yoshio Kimura.
Set in Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture, it gently sings of travel sentiment and the sorrow of parting, featuring expressive phrasing and emotional nuance characteristic of enka.
A must-listen for enka fans, it is a masterpiece that conveys the traditions of Showa-era enka.
Flower of LifeNEW!Yuko Maki
This is the debut single “Inochi-bana,” released in November 1989.
The song won the Bronze Prize at the Shinjuku Kayō Festival, marking the true start of the artist’s career as an enka singer.
Created by the golden duo of lyricist Miyuki Ishimoto and composer Shosuke Ichikawa, it poetically depicts the love and fate of a man and woman through natural imagery such as flowers and boats.
It is a quietly resonant piece for those at life’s turning points, or for anyone who has experienced a fateful encounter or parting.
Now, aloneNEW!Keiko Kano
This is a kayōkyoku song that voices the feelings of stepping into the future while cherishing time alone.
It’s the fifth single by Keiko Kano, an artist active in the worlds of enka and kayōkyoku, released in September 2025.
The track has a light, upbeat tempo that makes for an easy, pleasant listen.
Kano herself wrote the lyrics, and the theme of “being true to who I am now and in the days ahead” gently resonates with listeners.
It’s a warm, encouraging work that gives a supportive push when taking a new step in life.
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot BikiniBrian Hyland
If you want to liven up karaoke with an easygoing, fun summer song, this one is for you.
It’s sung by pop singer Brian Hyland.
This story-style pop tune charmingly depicts a girl who’s shy about wearing a yellow polka-dot bikini.
Its bright, buoyant sound is sure to put you in a happy mood just by listening.
Since its release in June 1960, it went on to hit No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts in August of the same year.
It’s also featured in the film “One, Two, Three,” so it might be a crowd-pleaser if you cue it up at karaoke.
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Masterpieces that begin with “I” (21–30)
An inch of redyama
As the end of autumn draws near, you can’t help but feel a sudden longing for someone.
yama, a singer gaining attention on the internet scene, offers songs that gently accompany that sentimental mood.
The lyrics capture that aching feeling of remembering someone who used to be by your side as if it were a given.
A tender melody that conjures a twilight scene slowly seeps into the heart.
This work was released in March 2021 and is included on the album “the meaning of life.”