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[Karaoke] A Collection of Songs Whose Titles Start with 'Mo'

At karaoke, people sometimes set various rules, like singing songs by the same artist or choosing based on song titles.

One fun idea is to pick a letter from the Japanese syllabary and sing “songs that start with ___.”

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs that start with “mo,” so feel free to use this as a reference for your next karaoke session.

Many of these tracks feature sentimental words like “moshi” (if) and “mou” (already/no longer), so it can be nice to think about the lyrics’ meaning or imagine the story as you sing.

Be sure to check out these “mo”-starting songs by artists who’ve been active from the Showa era through Heisei and into Reiwa.

[Karaoke] Collection of songs with titles starting with 'Mo' (71–80)

MaybeSachiko Kobayashi

Even if you didn’t know it was sung by Sachiko Kobayashi, you’ve almost certainly heard this melody somewhere! “Moshikashite,” released in 1984 as Kobayashi’s single, also came out the same year as “Moshikashite PART II,” a duet version with the composer Katsuhiko Miki, and it was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen—truly a classic of the ’80s.

Rather than enka, it leans more toward the kayōkyoku style, and since Kobayashi sings it with almost no enka-style techniques, it should be relatively approachable even for those who aren’t fond of enka.

That said, the song spans a wide vocal range overall, so try to be mindful of a delivery that brings out the sultriness of the lower notes.

In particular, the chorus melody is easy to go off-pitch on, so be careful!

Could it be... you?Kaori Kouzai

Kaori Kozai – “Could it be… you?”
Could it be... you're Kaori Kozai?

Kaori Kozai’s masterpiece “Moshiyā… Anta ga,” released in partnership with composers like Keisuke Hama and Toyohisa Araki, is a song that hints at enka flavor—such as through its guitar arpeggios—yet remains fundamentally a pop work.

The kobushi (melodic embellishment) appears only once, on a long tone transitioning from the B section to the chorus.

However, because it strongly emphasizes the “crying song” aspect of pop, solid emotional expression is essential.

The basic vocal line itself is on the easier side, so if you’d like to deliver an emotionally charged vocal performance with a little help from some drinks, this is definitely worth checking out.

As an ex-girlfriendMy Hair is Bad

This song by My Hair is Bad is portrayed through the gaze of a woman exhausted by love.

As she faces a breakup, the way she tries to move forward in her own way—changing her appearance and throwing herself into parties—leaves a strong impression.

Underneath it all are a distrust that can no longer believe in anything and a wish to be freed from past relationships.

Included on the November 2017 album “mothers,” this piece is a ballad that resonates with and supports those trying to confront the end of a romance.

Even while carrying the pain of heartbreak, it is sure to spark a shift in the hearts of people who are ready to take a new step forward.

[Karaoke] Collection of songs with titles starting with 'Mo' (81–90)

Kindergarten is starting soon.Lyrics by Hiroshi Namura / Music by Nobuyoshi Koshibe

Perfect for kindergarten and nursery school entrance ceremonies, this song is a children’s tune that captures the feeling of excitement.

It gently sings about the joy overflowing in children’s hearts and heightens their anticipation for a new environment.

A version by Akira Hayashi and Miyuki Mori was released in August 1999 and was also featured on an NHK children’s program.

Its bright, light melody and easy-to-remember lyrics make it a favorite during entrance ceremonies and grade-promotion season.

It’s also recommended for families to sing together with their children to ease any anxieties about starting a new chapter.

I want to see you againAki Yashiro

Aki Yashiro 'I Want to See You Once More'
Aki Yashiro, whom I want to meet once more

Although Aki Yashiro is known for many poignant and bluesy songs, she has also released some orthodox, warmly toned enka.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Mou Ichido Aitai” (“I Want to See You Once More”).

Compared to her usual work, this piece is a bit more powerful and includes sections that demand a certain amount of vocal projection.

Because of that, it sacrifices some of the subtlety of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation), so overall the difficulty level can be considered relatively low.

While it is a powerful song, rather than focusing on singing with sheer force, it tends to sound better if you lower the key and solidly support the lower notes—please keep that in mind.

The Finest BoatmanKiyoshi Hikawa

Kiyoshi Hikawa / The Finest Boatman [Official]
The Supreme Boatman Hikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa’s classic “Mogami no Sendou,” released in 2019.

The song has a traditional enka feel, characterized by a relaxed tempo and a warm melody.

While the slow tempo means there are many long sustained notes—which can be challenging—it’s also easier to create pauses before adding vibrato-like kobushi, so the overall difficulty is relatively low.

If the kobushi at the end of the chorus feels difficult, it’s recommended to practice each kobushi section individually and then connect them together when singing the full phrase.

Sally the WitchThe Three Graces, Kenichi Sonoda and the Dixie Kings

This is the opening theme of the anime Sally the Witch, which depicts the adventures of Princess Sally from the Land of Magic.

The anime was produced twice, in 1966 and 1989, and both versions used this song with different arrangements, making it a strong symbol of the series.

It’s said to have been influenced by the American TV show Bewitched, and you can sense its admiration for the West and a glamorous atmosphere in the jazz-infused sound.

The lyrics are simple, describing Sally’s character, but the magical words lightly sung at the beginning immediately draw you into the world of the song and the series.