Songs with titles that start with 'Ya'
This article introduces songs with titles that start with “Ya” (や).
How many songs that start with “Ya” can you think of?
When you put it that way, it’s surprisingly hard to come up with many, isn’t it?
This might come in handy someday—like for themed karaoke sessions, shiritori-style karaoke games, and more.
From classic smash hits to recent chart-toppers, we cover a wide range of songs old and new.
Feel free to use this as a handy reference whenever you need it!
Songs with titles starting with “Ya” (1–10)
Let's give it a try.NEW!WANIMA
WANIMA’s signature song, released on January 1, 2017, became widely known through au’s “Santaro” commercial series and is a pop-punk number loved by all ages, from children to adults.
Based on a traditional Japanese song, it passionately conveys the importance of taking on challenges and maintaining a positive mindset.
With its fast-paced sound and easy-to-sing melody, it’s perfect for kicking off a new year.
Sing it at New Year’s parties or reunions, and it will create an upbeat atmosphere of “Let’s do our best this year!” Encouraging listeners to take a brave first step without fearing failure, this track is an ideal anthem for New Year’s resolutions.
YAVAHAMAX ~ “Hey, let’s go to Shibahama,” said Atai and ChanNEW!hy4_4yh
This is a stylish coupling track from a single themed on the rakugo story “Shibahama.” It’s a unique piece: a conversational rap that actually proposes visiting Edo, the setting of the classic, in real life.
Released in December 2017 as the first production by rakugo performer Shunpūtei Ichinosuke, the single is structured with this track as the introduction and the title track as the main part.
Overlaying the modern map onto the reclaimed shoreline of Shiba, the lyrics weave in proper nouns like the Keihin-Tōhoku Line and Tamachi, brimming with curiosity as they link the classic to the present day.
Another highlight is the year-end-appropriate arrangement: an electro sound reminiscent of YMO layered with motifs from Beethoven’s Ninth.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to let their thoughts wander into the world of rakugo over the New Year, or feel the classical performing arts up close.
Night journeyNEW!Who are you and where are you from?
Released at the end of October 2025, “Yakou” has a mysterious allure where nighttime stillness intersects with a sense of speed.
Its sound blends rock with electronic elements, highlighted by a vocoder-like lead.
The lyrics, infused with fleeting relationships and introspection, are sure to resonate especially with younger listeners.
If you play it while staying up late or lost in thought alone, the work’s shadows and nuances will seep into your heart.
Give it a listen and feel it for yourself.
A Gentle BallNEW!Aimer
It’s a fantastical waltz that feels like an invitation to a secret ball under the moonlight.
Known for many anime songs, Aimer wrote this piece specifically for NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” The theme is a mysterious nocturnal feast that blurs the line between dream and illusion, portraying the protagonist’s aching heart as they search, by starlight, for someone precious.
The classical tone of the composition blends with Aimer’s rich vocals, gently enveloping the listener.
On nights when you want to step away from the busyness of everyday life, lose yourself in this story-filled world.
Merging into the darknessNEW!Ant with spines but without stings
Emotions melt and tear apart in the darkness of night.
This track, which sings that pain straight, is featured on the second album “Toge Nashi” (No Thorns).
Written and composed by Misty mint, its emotional guitars and driving drums capture the turbulence of feeling.
It’s a rock number that stays by your side when you’re burdened with unbearable loneliness or overwhelming emotions.
If you love band-driven sounds, be sure to give it a listen.
A gentle cityHiromi Ohta
Originally released in 1979 as the B-side to the single “Glass no Sedai,” this song is a piece composed by Hiromi Ota herself.
It gently paints a picture of December in Tsukishima, a downtown neighborhood, alive with the lively sound of pounding mochi.
Time spent alone under the kotatsu, interactions with the elderly neighbor next door, the everyday act of heading to the post office to send New Year’s cards—woven quietly into these unassuming winter scenes is the protagonist’s faint sense of loneliness.
Why not give it a listen while enjoying mochi over the New Year holidays?
I want to be kinder.Kazuyoshi Saito
Kazuyoshi Saito’s classic hit “Yasashiku Naritai.” If you’re a man in your 30s, it’s safe to say you know this song.
People discovered it in various ways, but the most common might be through the drama “I’m Mita, Your Housekeeper,” which became a social phenomenon.
The song has a somewhat decadent rock vibe, but perhaps because the lyrics are full of hope, it doesn’t feel self-deprecating the way songs in this style sometimes can.
It’s especially popular with men, so try singing it at karaoke when you’re out with your guy friends!