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)
If only I could just come to hate you.Ryohei Ab
A pop song that tugs at the heart with the ache of being unable to confess your feelings even while carrying love inside.
Featured on the album “THE BEST 2020 – 2025,” releasing in January 2025, this track pairs warm, rich production with emotional lyrics that gently support anyone struggling with love.
Ryohei Abe’s delicate vocals and expressive delivery resonate deeply with those holding on to fragile feelings.
The song carefully portrays the frustration of being unable to let go of your emotions while agonizing over the distance between you and the one you like.
If you haven’t been able to tell that special someone how you feel, you’ll surely relate.
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Great songs beginning with “I” (331–340)
A sky that’s more tearful than usualreruriri
This is a song that gently stays by your side when you feel a twinge of sadness on the way home on a rainy day.
It’s Rerulili’s debut work, released in September 2009.
The warm tones of acoustic guitar and piano are distinctive, and listening to it brings a sense of calm.
The lyrics convey the will of a protagonist who, while feeling loneliness and powerlessness, is trying to face forward—something that really touches the heart.
It’s a track that makes you want to listen to it through earphones in the rain.
An ocean sunfish is dead behind the house.Sunfish P is dead behind the house
The story told from a uniquely quirky perspective is the hallmark of “A Sunfish Died Behind My House.” The song was released on Niconico in July 2009.
The video features illustrations drawn by the artist’s real-life older sister, manga creator Hiro Hata.
As the title suggests, it starts with the mysterious situation of a sunfish dying behind the house, and the surreal developments continue to the very end.
It’s packed with the bewildered protagonist’s feelings—pure chaos.
The cool rock sound that drives it all only heightens the impact of that contrast.
a desperate gambleKeisuke Yamauchi
The single “Ichikabachika,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Hanakappa, is a lively track packed with a flashy rock vibe.
Hearing Keisuke Yamauchi’s signature vibrato delivered through a rock-style song—radiating a power distinct from enka—feels fresh and undeniably cool.
The melody is easy to remember, and since it unexpectedly retains an enka-like atmosphere, it’s a great challenge both for beginners to enka and for those who already count enka as a mainstay of their karaoke repertoire.
The final high-pitched shout is tough, but if you start by projecting powerfully from your diaphragm and let it out, it’s also a great stress reliever!
strawberryMomoko Osawa
Since her debut in 2003, Momoko Osawa—a singer-songwriter from Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture—has drawn attention for her distinctive musical style that, while rooted in enka, incorporates elements of rock and pop.
Her signature song “Ichigo” (Strawberry), a heartfelt expression of gratitude to her mother, is beloved by many fans.
Her talent has been highly recognized, including receiving the Japan Composer’s Association Encouragement Award in 2011.
Beyond her musical activities, Osawa is also deeply engaged in social contribution, such as leading a song project to raise disaster-preparedness awareness and performing goodwill concerts at welfare facilities.
With her warm vocals and lyrics that resonate closely with people’s hearts, Osawa’s music is highly recommended for anyone seeking enka that truly moves the soul.
Still in YokohamaMiyuki Kadomatsu
Miyuki Kadomatsu is a singer who combines remarkable vocal ability with outstanding beauty.
Born in 1993 in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, she made her major debut in February 2019 with the single “Michinoku Bōkyōka.” With a powerful yet emotionally rich voice, she has released a string of hits such as “Hamakiyu Shigure” and “Hana no Inochi.” In 2021, she won THE Karaoke★Battle, and the following year received the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Composers’ Association Music Festival 2022, earning high acclaim within the music industry.
While cherishing the elements of traditional enka, her songs incorporate modern arrangements, offering a fresh appeal not only to enka fans but also to younger listeners.
She is also notably multi-talented, excelling at playing the Tsugaru shamisen and the trombone.
celebratory sakeFuyumi Sakamoto
This gem of a song weaves feelings of celebration for a new chapter in life into its lyrics.
As a bright, festive enka number, it has been cherished for many years.
With a powerful yet warm voice, it gently sings of the wish for the couple’s happy future.
Released in April 1988 and awarded the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards, this work has since been performed many times on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show as one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature songs.
It’s highly recommended across generations as a celebratory song for important life moments—such as weddings or departure days.