Songs whose titles start with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I'.
I’m going to introduce songs with titles that start with “i” (the Japanese syllable pronounced ee)!
When you think of “i,” words like ichigo (strawberry), iruka (dolphin), and iro (color) come to mind, so it’s not a particularly tricky letter even in shiritori, right?
But what about when it comes to song titles?
Actually, there are plenty of songs whose titles start with “i”!
In this article, I’ve gathered a variety of Japanese songs—both old and new—whose titles begin with “i.”
You might even find some you listen to regularly.
Feel free to use this as a reference when playing song-title shiritori and the like!
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “I.”
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- Songs with titles starting with “Ki” [Great for karaoke & shiritori!]
- Songs with titles that start with “Su.” A collection of tracks useful for shiritori.
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- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
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- Songs with titles that start with “Chi.” Useful as hints for word-chain games!
- Songs with titles starting with “E” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ki”
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Masterpieces beginning with “I” (71–80)
in the pocketMr.Children
Graduation isn’t a farewell, but a moment to step onto a new path.
There’s a song, released by Mr.Children in August 2024, that gently gives a push to those setting off.
Written as the theme for Naoko Yamada’s animated film “Your Color,” it doesn’t rely on overly dramatic turns; instead, it wraps the listener in a soft warmth.
With the film’s music director, Kensuke Ushio, joining the arrangement, the track preserves the tactile feel of a band sound while featuring delicate placements of tones that evoke light and the passage of time.
It’s a number meant to reach those who struggle to put their feelings into words, carrying hearts in flux.
Alongside the lingering atmosphere of a graduation ceremony, it offers a gentle blessing—like tucking away precious emotions in your pocket to take home.
Strawberry Statement, Once Againbanban
This folk song classic vividly revives the bittersweet memories of school-days romance through the medium of cinema.
Released in August 1975 as Banban’s fifth single, the track was written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, who was then active under the name Yumi Arai.
It became the group’s biggest hit, topping the weekly charts and selling a total of about 750,000 copies.
The film title included in the song’s name refers to an American movie released in 1970, serving as an emblematic sign of youth.
Years later, the song was also used as an insert track in the TV drama “To Friday’s Wives II: Men, Are You Doing Well?” and has been loved across generations.
It’s a song for anyone whose heart is stirred by simple memories—ditching class to catch a movie, a rain-soaked poster—brought back in a rush.
When I Become a First Gradersakushi: Mado Michio, sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naozumi
As the footsteps of spring draw near, many of us are reminded of graduation and school entrance ceremonies.
With lyrics by Michio Mado and music by Naotsumi Yamamoto, this song is a children’s tune first released in 1966.
It captures, in words that are easy for children to understand, both the excitement and a touch of anxiety that come with starting a new school life, vividly evoking the image of venturing out into the wider world together with friends.
Its bright, bouncy melody has the lightness of a march that almost makes your steps feel lighter.
Since September 2014, it has also been used as the approach melody for conventional train lines at Tokuyama Station in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Mado’s hometown.
It’s a perfect song for celebrating a child’s new beginning or for anyone taking their first step into a new chapter of life.
Songs with titles starting with 'I': Masterpieces that begin with 'I' (81–90)
I can’t say it.Gō Hiromi
A ballad you can sing with a moist, mature allure.
Released in 1994, it became a big hit.
The range itself isn’t very high; if you can firmly nail the G4 in the chorus as an accent, you’ll be in good shape.
Since it’s a relaxed song, it’s easy to rack up points with pitch accuracy, long tones, and vibrato, so you need to take solid breaths and project your voice.
The structure builds clearly from verse (A) → pre-chorus (B) → chorus.
Deliver the A section in a spoken, narrative style, gradually raise the tension in the B section toward the chorus, and then let your emotions burst in the chorus!
Impulsenejishiki
A high-velocity rock track where impatience and resolve collide.
Produced by Vocaloid creator Nejishiki, the piece premiered in December 2025.
It’s the Vocaloid version of an original song written for VTuber Aitsuki Slip, featuring VoiSona’s Kiryune on vocals.
While hurling sharp words at self-denial and the frustrations of peer pressure, it sings of a determination to ignore others’ voices and single-mindedly aim for what one truly wants.
From its cool soundscape emanates a chilling anger and an unextinguished tenacity you can practically feel.
Live, brilliantlyikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari’s “Ikite, Sansan” was written as the opening theme for the sixth season of the TV anime Kingdom, set in China’s Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
The song was written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno and arranged by Masanori Shimada.
Created around the theme of celebrating the act of living earnestly, it features an impressively grand sound brimming with speed and dynamism.
It’s an anime song to listen to when you need the courage to face hardships.
Rose of thornsTogenashi Togeari
Released in December 2025, this work was written as the ending theme for the theatrical compilation film.
The lyrics, which depict the determination to move forward despite being wounded, strike deeply at the heart.
The emotional sound created by the distorted guitars and powerful rhythm section also delivers a surge of exhilaration in the chorus, as if the view suddenly opens up.
Give it a listen when you want to affirm yourself.