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.”
- [Songs with Great Lyrics] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to while savoring the words that resonate with your heart
- Popular songs used in lyric videos trending on TikTok
- Songs with titles starting with “Ki” [Great for karaoke & shiritori!]
- Songs with titles that start with “Su.” A collection of tracks useful for shiritori.
- [April 2026] Trending songs: A roundup of the hottest, viral tracks right now
- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
- [Moving] Tear-jerking cheer song. A roundup of popular motivational anthems that resonate with the heart!
- 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 that begin with “I” (111–120)
Poem of Imagesyoshida takurou
This is the landmark debut single released by Takuro Yoshida—who revolutionized Japan’s folk scene—in June 1970 on Elec Records.
An abundance of words, packed in almost like a syllabic overflow, rides the melody with a calm yet powerful resonance.
Rather than offering definitive answers, the lyrics keep posing questions about society and human relationships, revealing something new with every listen.
Also included on the album “Seishun no Uta,” the song was covered by Shogo Hamada in 1997 and later chosen as the theme song for the 2021 animated film “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko.” Beloved across generations, this work gently stays by your side—especially when you find yourself at a crossroads in life or in a quiet night when you want to reflect deeply on yourself.
Songs whose titles start with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I' (121–130)
Beloved DaysHoriuchi Takao
Featuring a star-studded cast led by Kotaro Satomi, the drama Byakkotai was broadcast as a year-end historical special on the Nippon TV network and became a social phenomenon.
The song used as its theme, performed by Takao Horiuchi, was released as a single in October 1986 with lyrics by Kei Ogura.
Powerfully expressing the fleeting yet beautiful passage of time, the track became a major hit in tandem with the drama’s moving scenes and won the Composition Award at the 29th Japan Record Awards.
Its timeless, resonant melody has long been beloved as a karaoke staple.
It’s a song we hope even those who haven’t seen the drama’s original broadcast will take the time to listen to closely.
A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE
Do you know the passionate love song that colored the late-’90s J-Rock scene? Released as a single by SIAM SHADE in November 1997, it was used as the ending theme for the hugely popular anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became the band’s biggest hit.
Also included on the album SIAM SHADE IV: Zero, this classic masterfully fuses hard-edged instrumentation with a catchy melody.
One of its greatest charms is that, despite the band’s high level of musicianship, the chorus is so familiar and easy for anyone to sing along to.
It’s incredibly well-known—just the intro is enough to trigger cheers.
Try singing it when you want to create a sense of unity at a get-together with friends from the same generation!
IT’S ONLY LOVEFukuyama Masaharu
This is one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature numbers, which became widely known in living rooms across Japan as the commercial song for DyDo Drinco’s “DyDo Blend Coffee,” and marked his first million-selling hit.
Released in March 1994, it also achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Oricon Weekly Chart for four consecutive weeks.
Despite its refreshingly rock-flavored sound, the lyrics reveal lingering attachment and a sense of loss toward a former lover, making it a heartbreak song where the more bravado you show, the more the sadness wells up.
Arranged by Makoto Saito to sit in a comfortable vocal range, it’s also appealing in how easy it is to sing with feeling.
It’s a classic I recommend when you want to look forward while reflecting on a past love, or when you want to belt it out at karaoke and feel refreshed.
INORI (Extended Mix)Sakanakushon
It’s a cool track where minimal beats and hypnotic, repeating synths draw the listener into deep immersion.
This is the extended version included on the INORI EP, which Sakanaction co-produced with electronic musician AOKI takamasa and released on vinyl in June 2013.
They reconstructed the original song from the March 2013 album sakanaction to enhance its functionality as club music, showcasing an experimental approach that transcends the boundaries of band sound.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to surrender to the pure pleasure of sound rather than words, or as late-night highway driving BGM.
It has an addictive quality that makes you want to keep listening.
Say it.Yorushika
Yorushika is a duo that captivates many listeners with emotionally stirring storytelling and literary lyrics.
This early-career work that supported their rise is a bittersweet number set to a brisk guitar-rock sound, depicting the regret of words left unsaid.
In contrast to its exhilarating melody, the lyrics unfold a heart-wrenching world, where n-buna’s delicate sensibilities and suis’s dignified vocals blend exquisitely.
Included on their first mini-album, “Natsukusa ga Jama o Suru,” released in June 2017, it has remained a beloved classic over the years, with its music video surpassing 100 million views.
It’s an emotional track you’ll want to listen to when you’re carrying unspoken feelings or sinking into a sentimental mood at night.
Heretical StarOfisharu Higedan Dism
Included on Official HIGE DANDism’s mini-album “Report,” released in April 2017, this song is a passionate anthem for those who feel they might lose their true selves by worrying about others’ eyes and judgments.
Set to a driving piano-rock sound, it powerfully extols the value of staying true to your convictions without being bound by convention or criticism.
The lyrics carry a message of shining in your own way rather than conforming to others, offering strong encouragement to anyone about to take on the unknown.
Choosing this song for a farewell party karaoke could uplift the entire venue, serving as the perfect cheer for friends setting off on a new path with both anxiety and anticipation.