[Karaoke] A roundup of popular Japanese songs that start with the letter “Ra”
Is everyone having fun at karaoke?
Whether you’re going wild with friends or practicing seriously on your own, there are lots of ways to enjoy it.
That said, choosing songs can be a recurring dilemma at karaoke.
You might find time slipping away while you’re thinking, “What should I sing next.
.
.
?”
So in this article, we’ve put together a list of popular Japanese songs whose titles start with the syllable “ra” (ら)!
We’ve picked a wide range—from timeless classics to recent hits.
Use this as one way to find your next song to sing!
- Compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles starting with 'Ra'
- A classic song with a title that starts with “Ru”
- A roundup of songs with titles starting with “Re.” Great for karaoke shiritori too!
- Songs with titles that start with “Ri”
- Karaoke songs everyone can sing: Japanese tracks that are easy to enjoy with a group.
- Songs with titles starting with “Ko” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- Vocaloid songs that start with 'Ru'
- Songs with titles starting with “To.” A selection from popular tracks across generations!
- [Karaoke] A collection of Japanese songs that start with “Mu”
- A roundup of songs whose titles start with the tricky letter “ro.” Perfect for shiritori and karaoke.
- From Old-School Hits to Trends: A Collection of Vocaloid Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- Compilation of Vocaloid songs that start with 'Ri'
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs whose titles start with ‘Re’
[Karaoke] Compilation of Popular Japanese Songs Starting with “Ra” (201–210)
The love song won’t stopIkimonogakari
A bittersweet love song that portrays the complex emotions of couples in long-distance relationships.
Many listeners will relate to the lyrics: “When we go a long time without seeing each other, I get anxious, but every time we overcome it, our bond grows stronger.” The song captures the frustration of not being able to express your feelings honestly to the one you love, and the way you grow by overcoming loneliness, all set to a refreshing melody.
Released in July 2014, the track was also featured in a commercial for Calpis Water.
It’s a recommended listen not only for those in long-distance relationships, but for anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone special.
Love letterTHE BLUE HEARTS
This is a song that expresses a bittersweet feeling with letters as its theme.
Released in February 1989 as THE BLUE HEARTS’ fourth single, it’s one of the tracks included on the album TRAIN-TRAIN.
Written and composed by Hiroto Kōmoto, this ballad is characterized by its effective use of falsetto chorus and strings.
In 2004, it was featured in a KDDI (au) commercial, and in 2006 it was used as an insert song in the film Love Letter: Aoi Renga.
Singing of lingering feelings for an unfulfilled love and a pure wish for the other person’s happiness, this song is recommended for those who want to entrust their feelings for someone special to a letter.
Love letterYOASOBI
A heartwarming song filled with love and gratitude for music.
Released in August 2021, it was created based on letters sent in by listeners.
It features YOASOBI’s signature memorable melodies and a brass arrangement by the Osaka Toin High School Wind Orchestra, resulting in a track that conveys the strength and warmth of music.
Born from a collaboration with the TOKYO FM program “Japan Post SUNDAY’S POST,” the song expresses how music brings color to everyday life.
It’s perfect for those who want to feel the power of music or convey their appreciation to someone special.
Please give it a listen!
Loveletteraiko
This is a song that captures emotions conveyed through a letter.
Released in July 2013 as a single by aiko, it is one of the works commemorating the 15th anniversary of her major-label debut.
The lyrics, which depict the scene of reading a letter from someone special over and over, are striking, carefully expressing feelings for the other person and the subtle shifts in emotion through the medium of a letter.
The song features a rock-influenced sound and aiko’s clear, expansive vocals, and it was created with live performance in mind.
It’s a perfect track to listen to while writing or reading a letter, so be sure to give it a listen when you write to someone important to you.
Love songSambomaster
When it comes to bands that set feelings of love to music and move listeners’ hearts, Sambomaster surely comes to mind.
This work drew attention as their first ballad single.
Its lyrics, portraying the sorrow of losing a loved one and the deep feelings toward that person, are particularly striking.
The arrangement, centered on piano and strings, further elevates the emotional expression.
Released in November 2009, the song is also included on the album “Kimi no Tame ni Tsuyoku Naritai.” Loved by many, it’s a track that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.
RashōmonFuyumi Sakamoto
Fuyumi Sakamoto is a female enka singer renowned for excelling at “male songs.” Among her works, one of the most popular male songs is Rashomon.
It’s a piece noted for its particularly serious melody even within Sakamoto’s repertoire, and it enjoys strong support from fans.
Although the song stands out for its power, the vocal line itself is simple and the range is relatively narrow.
The ornamental kobushi that require complex pitch movements appear only at the end of the chorus and involve upward and downward motion no more than twice, so anyone accustomed to singing enka should be able to perform it without difficulty.
Rough MakerBUMP OF CHICKEN
It’s a song that gives you a warm, cozy feeling.
Released in September 2000 as the B-side to the single “Diamond,” it’s a track that symbolizes BUMP OF CHICKEN’s early era.
The lyrics capture the complexity of human emotions, revealing glimpses of hope even amid darkness.
Its energetic sound and meticulous arrangement are compelling, making it a defining work that points to the band’s direction.
It’s also very popular for karaoke, so it’s a great pick for men with lower voices.
If you want to fully experience the charm of BUMP OF CHICKEN, be sure to give this one a listen.