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Introducing popular J-pop songs that start with “Ta”!

Have you heard of shiritori karaoke, where you connect songs by using the last letter of the previous song’s title? Surprisingly, it can get pretty exciting—sometimes you can’t think of any songs, or there aren’t as many singable ones as you expect.

So this time, I’ll introduce a bunch of Japanese songs that start with “ta.” I’ve picked popular J-POP tracks so you can use them both for karaoke and for playing shiritori using only song titles.

Please use this as a reference, and if there’s a song you’d like to try singing, go for it!

Introducing songs that start with “Ta” from popular J-POP! (161–170)

At the End of the JourneyJiro Kanmuri

Mr.

Jirō Kanmuri, known as a standard-bearer of “neo enka” and “action enka,” debuted in 1967, but it was a long road before his major breakthrough.

His first hit came with a 1977 release themed around a strait, and he followed it with a string of successes such as “Miren-zake” and “Sakaba.” His 1992 song featuring a motif of flames used a distinctive phrase that won support from younger listeners.

He made his first appearance at the 42nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and received numerous music awards.

He also pursued a wide range of activities, including a tie-in song series with an izakaya chain and theme songs for tokusatsu shows.

With his unique personality, he appeared on variety programs and was beloved by a broad audience.

Mr.

Jirō Kanmuri is a recommended artist not only for enka fans but also for those who enjoy something new.

TakumiKohei Fukuda

[Official] Kohei Fukuda "Takumi" Music Video
Takumi ~Takumi~ Kohei Fukuda

Kohei Fukuda, known as a rising powerhouse in the worlds of Japanese folk songs and enka, has a new single that honors the spirit of master artisans who approach their work with years of experience and passion.

While preserving tradition, the piece also incorporates a modern sensibility.

It is scheduled for release on January 1, 2025, and the first pressing will include special bonuses.

Fukuda’s powerful voice and heartfelt singing brilliantly portray the life of the craftsman.

It may be challenging to sing at karaoke, but it could be fun to study the lyrics closely and try imitating Fukuda’s distinctive vocal phrasing.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in traditional Japanese culture or who appreciates the mastery of skilled artisans.

Timing ~タイミング~Black Biscuits

This song, themed around the importance of timing in everyday life, portrays miscommunications and daily frustrations.

Released on April 22, 1998, it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It achieved the highest sales among songs by units born from the variety show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!!”.

The piece is loved across generations for its catchy melody and relatable lyrics.

It’s likely to be appreciated even in business entertainment settings with bosses or clients, as a song that can be enjoyed across age groups.

It’s also expected to lighten the mood when sung at karaoke thanks to its ease of singing and familiarity.

Twilight SilhouetteYūki Matsuzaka

Yuki Matsuzaka New Single “Silhouette at Dusk” MV (Release on May 8, 2024)
Twilight Silhouette Matsuzaka Yuki

Among the songs released in May 2024, there’s an enka number imbued with the nostalgic scent of Showa-era kayōkyoku, its poignant scenery tugging at the heart.

This piece, which reflects Yuki Matsuzaka’s new artistic challenge, gently portrays the budding of love against a dreamlike twilight backdrop.

Matsuzaka’s rich, resonant vocals ride a mellow melody and truly strike a chord.

Orchestral-style arrangements add depth, captivating listeners from start to finish.

It’s easy to sing at karaoke and a great pick for newcomers to enka.

When you want to reflect on love or life, give it a hum.

tiesEmi Noda

Emi Noda – ties (self cover) [FAIRY TAIL: 100 Years Quest ED]
Ties Noda Emi

Emi Noda’s new song, which sings of bonds and hope, captivates with a powerful resonance that sinks into the listener’s heart.

The lyrics—portraying friends overcoming hardships together and rising again and again—are a perfect fit for the ending theme of the anime FAIRY TAIL: 100 Years Quest.

The piano-centered arrangement and Noda’s soaring vocals further enhance the song’s world.

Released digitally in October 2024 ahead of Noda’s first Asia tour, this track is highly recommended for anyone seeking the courage to keep moving forward despite failures and setbacks.

Spring of departure has come.S/mileage

S/mileage 'The Spring of Departure Has Come' (MV)
S/mileage as spring of departure arrives

This is a S/mileage song that brightly sings about taking a fresh first step into a new life with the arrival of spring.

It cheerfully portrays young people parting ways as they walk different paths, holding sparkling memories and strong bonds in their hearts.

Released in March 2013, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Daily Singles Ranking.

Loved by many as a perfect cheer song for graduation season, it gives you the courage to keep moving toward your dreams, even while feeling anxious about diving into a new environment.

Recommended for anyone who wants to look back on cherished memories with close friends while feeling their heart swell with anticipation for a new chapter.

The crimson moon at twilightJudy Ong

Judy Ongg, who hails from Taiwan and debuted in 1966, has masterfully performed Japanese enka and kayōkyoku, captivating many listeners.

Her appeal lies in a unique style that blends the emotive expressiveness of enka with the lightness of pop.

In 1979, she won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance, a testament to her widely recognized talent.

Her songs convey an exotic atmosphere while skillfully expressing Japanese sentiments, making them recommended not only for fans of enka and kayōkyoku but also for those interested in cross-cultural exchange.

Her voice conveys the allure of music that transcends borders.