A roundup of songs that start with “ku.” Perfect for shiritori or picking karaoke tracks!
When you’re playing shiritori with song titles or doing shiritori karaoke, there are times when you just can’t think of the next song, right?
この記事では、「く（ku）」で始まる曲をたくさん紹介します。そんな瞬間に思い出せるようにしておきましょう。
There are lots of words that start with “ku,” like “kuro” (black), “kurisumasu” (Christmas), “cry,” and “kuchi” (mouth), and many of them are commonly used in song titles.
I’ve picked out a variety of tracks, so feel free to use this as a reference when choosing your next song!
- Vocaloid songs that start with "ku"
- Songs with titles that start with “Gu.” Great for your karaoke selection!
- A classic song with a title that starts with “Ru”
- A roundup of songs with titles that start with “pu.” Great for shiritori or picking songs!
- Songs with titles starting with “Ko” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- A roundup of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ke”
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
- A roundup of songs that start with “U.” Perfect for shiritori or picking tracks at karaoke!
- Songs with titles starting with “Ki” [Great for karaoke & shiritori!]
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- [For Women] Easy-to-Sing and Crowd-Pleasing Karaoke Songs
- [Male and Female] A Compilation of Vocaloid Duet Songs [Also Great for Karaoke]
- For men with low voices: Songs that tend to score well at karaoke
Songs that start with “ku.” Perfect for word-chain games and karaoke picks! (141–150)
whaleMasaki Suda
Masaki Suda, who is gaining momentum not only as an actor but also as an artist, has a particularly karaoke-friendly song I’d like to recommend: Kujira.
While it isn’t entirely free of high notes, it doesn’t have sudden jumps in pitch, nor does it require powerful vibrato or shouts, making it very easy for non-professionals to sing.
It’s especially comfortable for men with slightly higher voices, so be sure to give it a try.
Lips NetworkYukiko Okada
A signature song by Yukiko Okada with lyrics by Seiko Matsuda and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, expressing a sweet yet heartrending love.
It captures the feelings of a woman who is both forward and cautious, brought to life by a pure, graceful voice that truly moves the listener.
Used as Shiseido’s spring campaign CM song in January 1986, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Blending maidenly sentiment with a modern sound, it stands as an emblematic piece of the 1980s.
Recommended for those who want to relate to the feeling of being in love or who are interested in Showa-era idol pop.
Unrequited LoveHiroko Hattori
Hiroko Hattori’s classic “Kurenai Jōwa” is striking for its gently unfolding opening.
At first, you might find it sultry, but once the chorus begins, an unexpectedly grand and moving melody spreads out.
Because of this, the song calls for a wide range of expression, yet fortunately it contains very few complex elements.
Even the use of kobushi ornamentation is among the least in Hattori’s repertoire, so even those who struggle with enka should be able to sing it without trouble.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
Gardenia ElegyKaori Kouzai
Kaori Kozai has many famous songs, but Kuchinashi Elegy is especially known for its heartrending sorrow.
Although the band joins in during the latter half, the arrangement foregrounds the piano throughout, and that atmosphere, combined with the performance, delivers an outstanding sense of poignancy.
While the song carries the flavor of enka, the vocal line itself is more in the style of Showa-era kayōkyoku, with almost no use of complex techniques like kobushi.
The range is somewhat wide, so be sure to adjust the key to suit your voice and sing with proper control.
Christmas EveYuri
This song, which portrays a bittersweet love, is Yuuri’s first Christmas track.
Released in November 2022, it was also included on his second album, “Ni.” It delicately expresses the loneliness of winter nights and feelings that never reach their destination, with Yuuri’s clear, soaring vocals resonating deeply.
A music video has also been released, featuring actress Sara Minami.
The song will resonate with those spending Christmas night alone or those who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Its melody line is easy to sing at karaoke, so it’s also recommended for anyone looking for one of Yuuri’s more accessible songs to perform.
Scarlet LipsKeisuke Yamauchi
Welcoming lyricist Goro Matsui, Keisuke Yamauchi’s 2019 single “Kuchibiru Scarlet” is, as the title suggests, packed with a classic Showa kayōkyoku flavor, and it was performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen—so many listeners will likely think, “Oh, that song,” as soon as they hear it.
If you like kayōkyoku, the melody will feel instantly familiar, and you’ll probably find it easy to sing at karaoke.
From around the B-melody, the lines flow with expansive melodies in succession, so try singing while minding your breathing points to avoid running out of breath.
Kushiro AirportKeisuke Yamauchi
When it comes to enka, you can’t ignore the “airport” theme.
Keisuke Yamauchi’s 2013 single Kushiro Airport is the third installment in his “Silver Screen Kayō” series following the masterpiece The Withered Viola of Winter, and its filmic quality shines through in the man’s regret and lingering attachment as he sings of memories of the woman he parted with, steeped in melancholy.
It’s a grand-scale song, so fully conveying its theme is quite challenging; however, the characteristic enka kobushi ornamentation is relatively restrained, and those accustomed to mood kayō (mood pop) may find it surprisingly approachable to sing.
One of Yamauchi’s charms is his rich low-register vibrato—be sure to practice so you can bring that out well!