RAG MusicKARAOKE
Lovely karaoke song

Songs with titles that start with “bo.” [Boku (I), boy, adventure, etc.]

There are times when you want to find “songs that start with a certain hiragana,” like for “shiritori karaoke,” where you link songs together like the word game shiritori, “song-title shiritori,” where you restrict yourself to track titles, or even when making a playlist themed around the 50 Japanese syllables.

In this article, we’ll focus on songs that start with “bo” (ぼ) and introduce some selections!

You probably don’t usually search for music by the first hiragana of the title, but that’s exactly why it can lead you to songs you wouldn’t normally come across.

Be sure to check out this article and see if you can discover a new favorite track.

Songs with titles starting with “Bo.” [Boku (I), Boy, Bouken (Adventure), etc.] (201–210)

My halfSMAP

A maxi single released in 2011.

It has a mature, R&B-style melody, but it sees the person you love as a “part of yourself,” and I felt it sings about the feelings of love from one’s younger days.

They aren’t in a mutual relationship yet; it’s more like quietly nurturing their feelings in their heart.

Thinking of a lover or someone you like as a part of yourself may be a sensation unique to romantic love.

Songs with titles starting with 'Bo'. [Boku (I), Boy, Bouken (Adventure), etc.] (211–220)

Body And SoulSPEED

Back then, the mere idea of elementary schoolers making a major debut was shocking.

Their vocals and dancing had a power you wouldn’t expect from grade school and junior high students.

I remember my heart racing every time SPEED appeared on TV.

Starting with their 1996 debut “Body And Soul,” I enjoyed watching them gradually grow up.

Even now as adults, their unwavering vocal prowess is truly overwhelming.

I am gazing at this sea.STU48

STU48 “I’m Gazing at This Sea” (Setouchi PR Unit) Music Video / STU48 [Official]
I am gazing at this sea.STU48

The hidden gem of the 48 Group active mainly around the Setouchi region, STU48’s Type B coupling track for the single “Hitorigoto de Kataru Kurai Nara” is this song, “Boku wa Kono Umi wo Nagameteiru.” It’s a sea-themed song, but since STU48 tours major ports with their “shipboard theater,” the group itself is practically a symbol of the sea! The lyrics sing of the sea’s comfort—how it heals me even in hard or sad times.

While it’s an orthodox idol tune, it somehow conveys the vastness of the ocean drifting in the background.

Highly recommended.

The place where we metSalyu

Salyu “The Place Where We Met” Music Video
The place where we metSalyu

This is a digital single by Japanese singer Salyu, released in September 2019.

It’s a song written by Takeshi Kobayashi as the theme for the film “Go Away, Ultramarine,” starring Ryusei Yokohama.

I’ve introduced Salyu as a “female artist known for her high notes,” but she’s actually a singer whose charm lies more in a voice reminiscent of a boy’s before it changes.

She likely understands her own vocal qualities very well.

In the high-tone sections, her performance masterfully switches between her slightly distinctive falsetto and chest voice, depending on the expressive intent.

If you plan to sing it at karaoke, it’s best to study in advance which parts of the song use which type of voice.

Body And SoulSarah Vaughan

Sarah Vaughan with Clifford Brown – Body And Soul (EmArcy Records 1954)
Body And SoulSarah Vaughan

Composed in 1930 by Johnny Green, this piece is one of the best-known jazz standards and is popular for both instruments and vocals.

It belongs to the genre of torch songs, which sing of heartbreak, and it eloquently expresses a woman’s sorrow.

Jazz vocals are often not sung strictly according to the original melody; singers frequently add their own arrangements and create unique melodic lines.

Therefore, it may be easier to listen to and compare several versions before you sing it yourself.

You and ISnow Man

Snow Man "Me and You" Music Video
You and ISnow Man

Featured on their second album “Snow Labo.

S2,” the song “Boku to Kimi to” stands out with lyrics that evoke the connection between the group and their fans.

The rich ensemble centered on piano and strings further highlights Snow Man’s vocal prowess.

With its simple melody and relaxed tempo, it should be easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

However, be careful with the occasional leaps in the melody, as they can make it easy to go off pitch.

Boys say helloSohbana

Kasane Teto SV “Boys Say Hello”
Boys say helloSohbana

A hardcore Vocaloid track that vents frustration at society and oneself.

Composed by Sohbana, the original was released in 2021; this is the Kasane Teto version unveiled in November 2024.

A self that can’t take flight, the gap between ideals and reality, the loss of innocence that comes with growing up—these quintessentially youthful feelings are conveyed over a punchy sound.

Many teens, in particular, will probably find it relatable.