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” (201–210)
Parade of Lifekujira
This is a song by Kujira that graced the opening of a gentle story about a young master living alongside Edo’s spirits.
Written specifically for the anime “Shabake,” it was released in 0/2025.
Centered on the themes of the cycle of life and its fragility, it conveys the strength of caring for someone and the tenderness of living with unseen presences, all expressed through a lyrical melody.
A stylish pop track recommended for fans of yokai.
aliveMoriyama Naotaro
This piece is included on Yumizuruhanoha, one of the two concept albums—Yumizuruhanoha and Yeeeehaaaaw—released by Naotaro Moriyama in October 2025.
It’s a song that gazes into the very source of life.
Built solely around piano and strings, its ambient soundscape gently envelops the tremors and transience of everyday life.
Moriyama’s deep, folk-rooted vocals and lyrical melody resonate in the heart.
It’s a track that quietly stays by your side when you lose your way in life.
Someday at ChristmasDISH//
DISH// is a four-member dance-rock band.
They’ve carved out a unique position as an idol group that performs in a band format while dancing, and they’ve created numerous great songs over the years.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Itsuka wa Merry Christmas.
Although the song has a relatively fast tempo, the vocal range is narrow and sits in the low-mid to mid range.
It doesn’t require vibrato or vocal ad-libs, so it’s a track you can fully enjoy with groove and momentum!
Izayoi Bridgekoori kenta
While preserving the traditions of enka, Kenta Koori showcases a unique commitment to emotional expression.
Released in October 2025, “Izayoi Bridge” tells a story that layers a bittersweet longing over the image of a moon that will soon begin to wane.
Written by lyricist Asakoyomi on a night of the full moon, the piece delicately depicts the subtle signs of parting drifting in the moonlight.
If you’re looking for a gently lyrical ballad, be sure to give it a listen.
The closest strangerInagaki Junichi
A song that portrays the conflicts of adult love and a delicate sense of distance, set in the brief span of time from calling a taxi to saying goodbye.
The protagonist’s wavering emotions resonate poignantly as they struggle between parting while remaining like strangers despite being so close, or being honest about a love that can’t be faked.
The bossa nova–tinged rhythm and saxophone interlude, born from Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Akira Nishimoto’s arrangement, create a refined, mature atmosphere.
Included on the April 1990 album “Self Portrait,” it was also used as the theme song for the NTV drama “Kisu no Ondo — Ichiban Chikai Tanin” broadcast in May of the same year.
A medium-tempo love song with a city pop flair, it’s a track for those who relate to complicated romances or want to sink into a sophisticated, grown-up mood at night.
I couldn’t bring myself to say it.Inagaki Junichi
A mellow ballad where Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Tetsuji Hayashi’s beautiful melody blend exquisitely, gently enveloping feelings that are hard to put into words.
While showing compassion for a wounded loved one, the song captures the aching wavering of a heart that can’t reveal its true feelings, delicately expressed through Inagaki’s tender, embracing vocals.
Included on the third album “J.I.,” released in September 1983, this track shines with Akira Inoue’s nuanced arrangement.
The soundscape, calm yet meticulously tracing the flow of emotion, is a quintessential embodiment of mature AOR.
It has long been cherished among city pop fans as a classic that keeps you company on quiet nights alone or when you’re carrying words left unsaid.
ginkgoYūsuke
Yusuke, who has produced many hit songs not only as an actor but also as a singer.
This is his third single, released in November 2009, which was used as the commercial song for Marukome’s “Liquid Miso.” Its melody, based on Johann Pachelbel’s Canon, lingers in your ears, and it’s the kind of song whose pleasant sound will likely captivate anyone who hears it.
Centered on the story of a couple in which the girlfriend has been given a terminal prognosis, the lyrics carry a gentle message of saying “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry,” conveying deep love and bonds alongside the sorrow of parting.
It’s a heartwarming love song that makes you want to revisit memories with someone special on a long autumn night.