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' (281–290)
Instant RadioSEKAI NO OWARI
“Instant Radio” has become popular for its pop, cute sound and irresistibly catchy lyrics that make you want to hum along.
While the bright tone can be distracting, the lyrics are thought-provoking, earning support from many fans who say it “helps you notice what really matters” and “makes you cry even though it’s an upbeat song.” Released in May 2010, this track is also a karaoke favorite you can really get into.
Rather than focusing only on the precise pitch, try enjoying it while fully immersing yourself in SEKAI NO OWARI’s unique world.
Crazy BabyFishmans
A gem of a love song whose gentle, dreamlike melody and wistful vocals seep into the heart.
It beautifully conveys the feelings of a protagonist who pictures their lover’s face in times of sorrow, set to rhythms of reggae and hip-hop.
The poetic lyrics liken the presence of a precious person—someone who remains a source of strength even from afar—to a magical power.
Released by Fishmans in June 1993 and included on the album “Neo Yankees’ Holiday,” this track has become a classic, covered by many artists.
It’s a perfect song for quiet nights when you’re thinking of someone, or when you want to sink into memories of a loved one.
to live onKANA-BOON
A heartwarming song that portrays saying goodbye to the past and taking a new step forward.
Written by Maguro Taniguchi before moving to Tokyo, the track conveys a powerful resolve to leave a place filled with memories and a hopeful gaze toward the future.
Its message of “moving forward” gently encourages those who are relocating or starting a new chapter in life.
KANA-BOON released the song in August 2014, and the music video featuring Yukino Kishii is a must-see.
It’s a song that stands beside anyone feeling anxious about life in a new place or coping with parting from someone dear.
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Great songs that begin with “I” (291–300)
Hated by life.Iori Kanzaki
This is a work that depicts emotions wavering between life and death with overwhelming expressive power.
It is one of Iori Kanzaki’s signature songs, released in August 2017.
In 2021, it drew attention when Mafumafu covered it at the 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The driving melody blends perfectly with lyrics that deliver a scathing critique of modern society.
The words also convey the dignity of clinging to life—even when consumed by negative emotions.
It’s a must-listen when you feel lost in life or want to reflect on the value of life.
It’s Going Down NowLotus Juice / Azumi Takahashi
A track adopted as an exhilarating battle theme in the remake of the hit game Persona 3.
Produced by Shoji Meguro, it fuses Lotus Juice’s dynamic rap with Azumi Takahashi’s powerful, soulful vocals in perfect balance.
The lyrics, which cast off unnecessary hesitation to champion the strength and resolve to stay true to one’s beliefs, are imbued with the courage to face adversity.
Released in April 2024, it later climbed to No.
1 on Billboard’s Global Japan Songs chart, gaining popularity in countries like the United States, Brazil, and South Africa.
Its aggressive sound—blending hip-hop and rock—is ideal when you need a boost or want to lift your motivation.
You’ll be irresistibly pulled into its energetic world.
Song of the First TunaKohei Fukuda
Among Kohei Fukuda’s masculine songs, “Ichiban Maguro no Uta” stands out for its particular vigor.
While the piece is built around a powerful vocal line, it makes minimal use of shouting or growling techniques.
Instead, its strength is conveyed through expansive, ringing vocals and a wide range, making the ability to sing high notes essential.
By focusing on Japan’s distinctive, back-resonant vocal production rather than Western-style projection, you can maintain stability even in the higher passages—keep this in mind as you sing.
thorn treeSachiko Kobayashi
In 2012, Sachiko Kobayashi ended her long-standing contract with Nippon Columbia and launched her own label, SACHIKO Premium Records.
The song “Ibara no Ki” (Thorn Tree) was released as a fresh start under that label.
In fact, it was originally supposed to be released in 2013 as a song commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kobayashi’s debut, but it was instead unveiled as the first release on her independent label.
Masashi Sada wrote both the lyrics and music.
Kobayashi’s heartfelt performance of this piece—which sits somewhere between an enka ballad and a kayōkyoku-style ballad—conveys a sense of renewed determination and resolve.
Within Kobayashi’s catalog, the overall pitch is set relatively low, making the melody easier to sing for those who struggle with high notes.
That said, the range is still quite wide, and the final section of the last chorus requires sustaining a low long tone with vibrato, which will take some practice—so focus on repeating that part.