A roundup of Japanese songs whose titles start with “ji,” from buzzworthy tracks to popular hits.

Jewelry KissAina the End

Aina The End – Jewelry Kiss [Lyric Video]

Aina the End’s new song “Jewelry Kiss.” Aina the End is often mentioned as an artist with exceptional vocal ability, but this piece is among the easier ones in her catalog, so you can comfortably aim for a high score.

In particular, the vocal range is the easiest point: every part sits within a range that most women can sing without difficulty.

Additionally, it doesn’t include challenging techniques like vocal runs or shouts, so it’s well worth adding to your repertoire.

era; age; time; periodMy Hair Bad

My Hair is Bad – Era

This song urgently questions the flow of the times and the meaning of one’s own existence.

Included on My Hair is Bad’s July 2024 album “ghosts,” it portrays Tomomi Shiiki’s bare, candid feelings.

Starting from the idea that life has no subtitles, it packs in the complex emotions of people living today—achieving dreams, financial breathing room, anxieties about marriage, and more.

The album also features the theme song for the film “Crayon Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary,” making it a highly anticipated release.

Give it a listen when you want to face yourself or find yourself at a crossroads in life.

Its resonant lyrics and powerful sound deliver an emo intensity that will surely give you a push forward.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Golden Bomber

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

Speaking of Golden Bomber, this is the song! Released in 2009, this hit is perfect for livening up parties.

Its lyrics comically portray a heartbroken man’s lingering feelings, paired with a catchy melody.

The unique sound, incorporating elements of Showa-era kayōkyoku and Eurobeat, has won support from a wide range of listeners, from the young to the elderly.

In 2011, it was also used in a commercial for “Mega Shaki.” The upbeat, danceable choreography is perfect for a thank-you party performance.

Don’t overthink the lyrics—just have fun dancing together!

Kasane Teto SVHiiragi Magnetite

Tetris / Kasane Teto SV

Hiiragi Magnetite is a Vocaloid producer who enjoys remarkable popularity on the internet.

Known for songs that primarily feature Kasane Teto, their distinctive sound blends elements of electronica, pop, and rock.

Debuting in 2018, they quickly drew attention with their signature track “TETRIS.” The appeal lies in the contrast between serious lyrics and a light, brisk melody, earning high praise online.

Centered on activity on YouTube and Nico Nico Douga, they may owe their popularity to the close proximity they maintain with fans.

Their lyrics, which depict the anxieties and conflicts of modern society, resonate deeply, making them highly recommended for those seeking new forms of music.

Tokyo StorySharam Q

Sharan Q 'Tokyo Story'

This song by Sharam Q is a heartwarming classic that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a young person leaving their hometown to chase their dreams in Tokyo.

The lyrics, which sing of parting from a lover and the hope of meeting again, resonated with many.

Released in January 1994, the track was used as the ending theme for Asakusabashi Young Apparel Store and became the catalyst for Sharam Q’s breakthrough.

It sold over 120,000 copies and was also included on the album Lost Time.

It’s perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke!

A woman aloneAyako Fuji

Ayako Fuji “A Woman Alone” Music Video

Aya Koji, a popular enka singer who debuted toward the end of the Showa era and has remained an active, top-tier performer through the Heisei and Reiwa eras, continues to shine today.

She has many beloved karaoke favorites, and the song featured here, “Onna ga Hitori” (A Woman Alone), is a cover of a classic by Saburo Kitajima, released as a single in 2023 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of her debut.

The excellence of the original goes without saying, but as you can hear in Koji’s version, the song is a perfect fit for her—sung with elegant, lustrous tone and great care.

At first listen it sounds like a straightforward, classic enka number, but the pitch movement is quite dramatic, and smoothly transitioning between the low and high notes takes familiarity and practice.

Be mindful of singing expansively and smoothly while feeling the relaxed 3/4, waltz-like rhythm.

Jongara Onna-bushiYoko Nagayama

Yoko Nagayama “Jonkara Onna-bushi” Music Video

Featuring the boldly spotlighted sound of the Tsugaru shamisen, “Jonkara Onna-bushi” is a quintessential Japanese masterpiece in which elements of traditional music blend superbly with enka, pop, and rock.

Originally debuting as an idol singer, Yoko Nagayama later established herself as an enka artist while continuing to perform a wide range of styles, including pop and kayokyoku—this song is a perfect example of her versatility.

It was a massive hit, with Nagayama herself standing and playing the Tsugaru shamisen as she sings—an incredibly cool sight.

Vocally, however, it’s by no means an easy song: it demands a broad range and poses many technical challenges.

Although it follows the classic enka style, the uptempo beat with pop- and rock-like flavors, as mentioned, may feel particularly difficult for those used to more relaxed enka.

Conversely, if you’re not accustomed to enka vocalization, try approaching it as if you were singing rock, without initially over-focusing on enka-style emotional inflection.

Explore your own take on “Jonkara Onna-bushi” and sing it with full groove and energy!