Songs with titles that start with “te.” Perfect for shiritori karaoke or song-title shiritori!
Can you think of any words that start with “te”? There are lots, whether in Japanese or English—like “tegami” (letter), “tentai” (celestial bodies), “teen,” and “take,” to name a few.
In this article, I’ll introduce a selection of songs that start with such words—tracks with titles beginning with “te.” Feel free to use this as a hint for karaoke shiritori where you connect the last character of a song title to the next, or for shiritori played with song titles only.
Since I’m assuming you might sing them at karaoke, I’ll mainly feature well-known J-pop this time.
Songs with titles starting with “Te.” Perfect for shiritori karaoke or song-title shiritori! (1–10)
TearsNEW!X JAPAN
A signature ballad by X JAPAN, woven with beautiful piano and strings to express the pain of loss and a prayer for rebirth.
Composed by YOSHIKI in memory of his father, who passed away when he was a child, the song transcends personal sorrow to become a universal ode to farewell.
Its dramatic progression—where grand orchestration intertwines with Toshi’s soaring vocals—gently seeps into the listener’s heart.
Released in 1993, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Smiling Through Hatred.” It’s a piece that quietly stays by your side when you think of someone dear or wish to set your heart free.
LetterNEW!Saori Yuki
Released as a single in July 1970, this signature song cemented Saori Yuki’s reputation as a serious vocalist following her hit the previous year.
The lyrics, depicting a woman who has resolved to part ways quietly putting away each shared memory, are deeply moving.
Layer upon layer of symbolic imagery rises like a film and converges, in the end, on a farewell letter penned through tears—a structure that even feels literary.
Yuki’s crystalline voice, set against the lyrical melody, conveys a poised, restrained adult parting with elegance.
The single topped the Oricon weekly chart for six consecutive weeks, and she won the Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone facing the end of a romance or wishing to observe the rituals of parting in a quiet light.
Come with me to heavenNEW!Aliey:S
Released in October 2025, this work portrays the darkness lurking behind sweetly seductive words.
It’s a Hatsune Miku track by Vocaloid producer Aliey:S, and the way a heaven-ward guide speaks as if soothing a child sends chills down your spine.
The shadowy soundscape that slips past your ears and the understated vocals are utterly captivating.
I especially want those who’ve had moments when they wanted to run away to listen—this world will surely ensnare you!
Gets you hyped! 80s Kayōkyoku Medley - YouTube VIRTUAL DJ MIXNEW!DJ NOJIMAX
This medley is packed with heart-thumping rhythms and dazzling melodies.
The smooth progression from the lively “SHOW ME” and “Aiga Tomaranai (Love Can’t Stop)” into “Dancing Hero” vividly recreates the exhilaration unique to the ’80s.
You can enjoy a wide range of styles, from passionate songs like “Roppongi Shinju” to poignant classics like “Koi ni Ochite – Fall in love.” The distinctly Japanese melodies characteristic of kayōkyoku evoke a warm sense of nostalgia.
For those in their 40s and 50s, it’s a truly energizing medley that will bring back memories of their youth.
HeavenNEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
The digital-only single released in May 2025 was written as the theme song for the film “We Will Tell You the Truth,” starring Motoki Omori.
It builds dramatically from a quiet, sacred-feeling intro and ends abruptly, creating an unpredictable progression.
The lyrics, which portray human beauty and ugliness in equal measure, leave a deep impression on listeners.
An unusual promotion—allowing audiences to hear the song in advance only within the film on its April 25 release date—sparked considerable buzz.
Positioned as the third release in the band’s 10th-anniversary year, the track showcases the breadth and depth of their musicality.
It’s recommended for those who want to reflect on life’s light and shadow, especially to savor after watching the movie.
Heaven SambaNEW!Shigetaka Takayama
The ending theme of Gekisou Sentai Carranger, released in 1996, is a gem that sets words of appreciation to a breezy samba rhythm.
Yukinojo Mori’s lyrics brim with a brightness that laughs off frustration, creating a spaciousness that releases viewers from the tension of battle back into everyday life.
Narutaka Takayama’s soaring vocals and Takashi Shoji’s brass-driven arrangement brilliantly support the comedic tone of the series’ world.
It’s a number the whole family can hum together on the way to the weekend, loosening up and bringing smiles.
the ends of the earthNEW!FINLANDS
It’s a piercing track that lays heavy melodies over dependence on others, feelings of inferiority, and an unshakable loneliness.
It’s a song by FINLANDS, included on the EP “UTOPIA,” released in March 2019.
Written by Fuyuko Shioiri around the age of 22, the lyrics stand out for their candid portrayal of a romantic relationship and self-loathing.
It captures the sensation of losing one’s sense of direction while gazing at the lights of the Shuto Expressway, and the emptiness that comes with it.
If you’re someone who carries a hole in your heart that can’t be filled even when you’re with someone, give it a listen.