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)
A gentle cityNEW!Hiromi 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.NEW!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!
Mountain MusiciansNEW!German folk song
An endearing, picture book-like piece in which the animals of the forest become musicians and hold a concert.
In this song, mountain friends like squirrels and little birds appear one after another, each showing off their favorite instrument.
With a structure that layers on words imitating the timbre of the instruments, it carries a lively joy that makes your body start moving all on its own.
It became widely known in Japan after being featured in April 1964 on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” sung by Dark Ducks.
Since then, it has been sung for many years on educational programs and the like.
Part of its charm is that you can enjoy it with gestures and hand motions, too.
Goat MailNEW!Lyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan
A very unique children’s song featuring the absent-minded White Goat and Black Goat.
The lyrics are by Michio Mado, who also wrote “Zō-san,” and the music is by Ikuma Dan.
Its charm lies in the heartwarming world where you can’t help but laugh at the endless loop of the two writing letters back and forth without ever conveying their messages.
First broadcast on NHK Radio in 1953, the song has long been beloved on programs like NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Try singing it together as a parent and child, smiling at the thought that it would be quicker if they just met and talked in person.
Gentle loverShimo
Singer-songwriter Shiamo, hailing from Miyagi Prefecture, is known for her piano-based performances and impressive self-producing skills, handling everything from lyric writing to arrangement.
She made her CD debut in 2017, and her signature song “YOU” became a massive hit with over 600 million views on TikTok.
The track was also selected as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s program “Music Saturday.” With hard rock as part of her musical roots, she draws attention for her expressive range, spanning from delicate ballads to a more rock-oriented side.
A gentle feelingNEW!Chara
A love song with a sweet, whisper-like vocal that gently soaks into the heart.
Released in April 1997 as Chara’s 14th single, this track brightened living rooms across Japan as the Shiseido T’ESSERA J commercial song and was also included on the million-selling classic album Junior Sweet.
The lyrics portray a pure sense of happiness—simply wanting to hold hands with the one you love.
That straightforward feeling warms the listener’s heart.
Its experimental yet refined, floating sound will lift your spirits even when you’re feeling low.
It’s a song that lights a soft, gentle glow in your heart when you’re a little tired from the busyness of everyday life.
Yagi-bushiNaoyuki Harada
Naoyuki Harada, a leading pioneer who has propelled Japan’s “stage-style min’yō” folk music, hails from Namie Town in Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture.
He is widely recognized for bringing folk songs to a broad public through television and nationwide tours.
He made his record debut in 1964 with “Nagamochi Uta,” and in 1966 founded his own school, the Min’yō Harada-kai, taking an early lead in training the next generation.
His 1990 release “Zenkoku Go-chōnai Ondo” became a major hit, selling around 500,000 copies.
In 2013, he was named an Honorary Citizen of his hometown, Namie, and he has continued vigorous activities after the Great East Japan Earthquake, guided by his belief that “min’yō is a cheer song for one’s hometown.” His naturally beautiful voice and richly ornamented kobushi vocal turns make him highly recommended for anyone wishing to experience Japan’s traditional music.