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'. Classic tracks beginning with 'I' (321–330)
Sounds good!Makoto Nagai
It’s a song filled with passion.
Released in July 2000, it was used as the second ending theme for the anime HUNTER×HUNTER.
Masato Nagai’s powerful vocals and the catchy melody leave a strong impression.
The lyrics, carrying the message “If we’re together, we’ll manage somehow,” are encouraging.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel more positive.
Let's become a familyMasaharu Fukuyama
This song is characterized by its warm vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Celebrated as a classic that gently portrays family bonds and forms of love, it has left a lasting impression on many listeners.
Written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama, it was released in August 2011.
It was also featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and has become a popular staple at weddings.
Created while a nationwide tour was on hold due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the piece reminds us of the importance of human connection and mutual support.
It’s a track I highly recommend to couples preparing for marriage and to anyone who values family ties.
Izakaya HotaruKaori Uesugi
Kaori Uesugi, a native of Tsubame City in Niigata Prefecture, made her debut in June 1995 with “Kazemura” on BMG JAPAN.
Her distinctive, resonant lower register has captivated many fans.
In 2006, “Onna-zake” became a major hit, selling 200,000 copies.
Her 20th-anniversary single “Izakaya Hotaru” has been praised as classic, guitar-driven enka.
In 1996, she won the Newcomer Music Award at the 33rd Golden Arrow Awards.
Uesugi excels at emotionally rich, minor-key enka.
She’s highly recommended for listeners drawn to a gentle, soulful voice that evokes Niigata’s snow country.
Fishing-fire drizzleReiko Konishi
Reiko Konishi, a native of Hachinohe City, is an enka singer signed to Crown Records.
Versatile across genres from enka to jazz, she also puts great effort into local Aomori-themed songs.
She is highly active with a focus on Aomori Prefecture, cherishing the emotional nuance of traditional enka and earning support from fans across generations.
Highly recommended for those interested in the culture and climate of Aomori.
Baton of LifeAya Shimazu
Aya Shimazu’s famous song “Inochi no Baton” (The Baton of Life).
Compared to other enka singers, Aya Shimazu often performs enka and kayōkyoku with many pop elements, and this piece is among the easiest to sing.
Of course, since it’s performed by an enka singer, it retains a certain enka flavor, but it leans heavily toward pop, so it shouldn’t feel difficult to sing.
There are very few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), and as long as you focus on a clear, expansive vocal tone, you can definitely aim for a high score at karaoke.
IkijibikiRADWIMPS · Taka
This is a track where RADWIMPS and Taka from ONE OK ROCK collide in a soul-stirring duet.
Included on the album ANTI ANTI GENERATION released in December 2018, the song lays bare the struggles and anxieties of living.
With its powerful sound and piercing lyrics, it brilliantly captures the emotions of young people navigating modern society.
Even with words that could evoke risqué imagery, it never feels crude—it’s an undeniably cool song.
The intense live performances are another major draw.
Highly recommended for those feeling worn out by daily life or looking to confront themselves.
Look at me nowKeyakizaka46 (Hinatazaka46)
A song included on Hinatazaka46’s album Hashiridasu Shunkan, which was released under their former name, Hiragana Keyakizaka46.
Set to a serious, mid-tempo melody, it conveys the feelings of a challenger.
The word “color” is used symbolically to express complex emotions.
It was first released to the public in March 2018 as a coupling track on Keyakizaka46’s single Glass wo Ware!.
Loved as a song that symbolizes the members’ growth, it has drawn attention at live shows where the members sing while holding back tears.
This piece instills the courage to face difficulties and fosters self-affirmation.
It’s a song that gently pushes the backs of those who vow revenge.