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 with titles starting with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I' (41–50)
ExcuseArche
Singer-songwriter Arche crafts a comfortable sound centered on R&B and neo-soul.
He began his activities around 2022, steadily releasing tracks mainly via streaming and growing his fanbase.
His world, where hip-hop-derived grooves blend with lyrical Japanese lyrics that make room for silence, draws you in before you know it.
In April 2025, his song “you are” was featured in a vocational school TV commercial and selected for J-WAVE’s SONAR TRAX, which sparked a rise in attention.
Riding that momentum, his first full-length album, “sublimated,” released in June 2025, may well have cemented his place on the scene.
His intimate, whisper-close vocals are perfect for chill time.
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Great songs that begin with “I” (51–60)
Cool POPYONA YONA WEEKENDERS
YONA YONA WEEKENDERS is a band that delivers mellow sounds coloring the city nights.
Released in April 2025, this track is a dance-pop tune that captures the moment when everyday life begins to shine through the magic of music.
The buoyant bassline, crisp cutting guitar, and shimmering synths weave a groove that feels irresistibly good.
It conveys the rush of excitement as, the instant the music hits, your mood shifts into a cooler, more confident version of yourself.
Created to celebrate the band’s fourth major-debut anniversary, the song is also included on the EP “Yoyoi no Yoi,” released in September of the same year.
Whether for an afternoon drive to lift your spirits or a private moment of relaxation, listening to it will make the usual scenery feel just a bit more special.
Inaho (feat. nishina)Dakki
Rap artist Tsubaki, who is based in Okinawa and even took first place in the “Ryuha BEST RAPPER AWARDS” in 2017, captivates many listeners with lyrics that reflect raw, unfiltered emotions.
A track from his debut album “Camellia,” released in August 2025, featuring singer-songwriter Nishina, is essential when talking about chill hip-hop.
Over a mellow beat crafted by producer hokuto, he delivers introspective verses that strive to overcome past struggles and anxieties about the future.
The contrast with Nishina’s gentle vocals accentuates the song’s bittersweet atmosphere.
Like rice ears swaying in the wind, this drifting piece seems like the perfect quiet companion for a sunset drive.
EarringReira Shio
Singer-songwriter Reira Ushio is popular among the younger generation for her clear vocals and relatable lyrics.
Of her many songs, this track released in March 2025 is one I especially recommend when you want to sink into a chill mood.
Its airy, organic electronic sound feels wonderfully soothing, with the arrangement handled by ESME MORI.
The lyrics portray a single-minded crush—you find yourself constantly thinking about the person you like, listening to the songs they were humming, and spending sleepless nights—moments that will make you nod and think, “I’ve been there.” Seiichi Nagai of Sōtaisei Riron adds guitar that heightens the bittersweet mood.
Give it a listen as BGM while studying or during a relaxing evening.
Rather than telling you with a sulky gaze, I want to see the light.T-BOLAN
This piece feels like Moritomo Arashi’s heartfelt voice gently illuminating the small hopes hidden in everyday life.
While reflecting on our tendency to think the worst, it portrays a quiet resolve not to look down, but to lift our heads and seek the light.
The song was included as the B-side to the hit single “Wagamama ni Dakae-tanara,” released in November 1993.
While the title track is widely known as the opening theme for the drama “Aishiteru yo!,” this work, despite having no tie-in, has long been cherished by fans as a gem.
When you’re a little worn out by the ordinary days, listening to this song may help you find small joys hidden in familiar scenes.
IN MY DREAM (WITH SHIVER)LUNA SEA
You’re instantly captivated by the guitar’s strumming, which shines with a certain cold light.
It’s an irresistible track with a dreamy, bittersweet world—like wandering through a beautiful feverish nightmare.
The song feels like a story of a soul trembling in loneliness, seeking salvation in the moonlight.
RYUICHI’s soaring vocals, as if reaching the heavens, gently set the listener’s emotions free.
Released in July 1993 as their second single and cut from the classic album EDEN, it became a symbol of the band’s breakthrough, charting at No.
9 on Oricon.
It might be a hidden gem that stays close and seeps deep into your heart when you’re holding unspoken feelings inside.
Inflation IIFrenesi
Frenesi, whose alluring blend of whisper-like vocals and a hard-edged sound stands out, is also an artist from Gifu Prefecture.
Her distinctive whisper voice—rooted in an episode from when she was eight—intertwines with sounds reminiscent of technopop and the Shibuya-kei scene to create a truly one-of-a-kind world.
In June 2009, her first full album, “Cuplla,” reached No.
1 on the indie charts.
When her music became available for streaming in July 2020, it resonated across generations, with her tracks used over 60,000 times on social media.
In addition to her award-winning arranging skills—recognized with multiple prizes on a site overseen by Ryuichi Sakamoto—her versatility in everything from songwriting and composition to animation is also a major part of her appeal.