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' (211–220)
Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei
A classic song set in Ishikari, Hokkaido, portraying a man devoted to the herring fishery and the bittersweet feelings of the woman who stays by his side.
Released in June 1975 as Mirei Kitahara’s eighth single, it won both the Lyricist Award and the Arrangement Award at the Tokyo Music Festival.
Rei Nakanishi’s lyrically rich words, Keisuke Hama’s wistful melody, and Shunichi Makaino’s emotionally charged arrangement come together as one to dramatically express the sorrow and resignation of people who live by the northern sea.
Brimming with deep lyricism that conjures images of mending nets on a snow-swept winter shore, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to quietly reflect on the scenes of the Showa era.
In My TownMr.Children
A languid, bittersweet ballad that quietly gazes at the year-end cityscape.
It’s a track by Mr.Children included on the album “(an imitation) blood orange,” beginning with a gentle, piano-centered arrangement and building in the latter half as full band sounds layer in.
The restrained use of strings accentuates an undercurrent of uncontainable restlessness and loneliness.
Released in November 2012, the album sold about 530,000 copies in its first week and ranked eighth on the year-end chart.
Although it had no tie-ins, the lyrics—which sing of the year-end atmosphere and complex feelings toward society—gradually seep into the listener’s heart.
It’s a recommended song for moments at the close of the year when you want to quietly reflect on the city and your own state of mind.
Someday, in a world of nothingnessmakaroni enpitsu
In addition to general rock, Macaroni Empitsu is a band with a wide musical range, from psychedelic to hard rock.
For men who like Japanese rock, you could say they’re an extremely popular band.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is Itsuka Nani mo Nai Sekai de.
Although the song sits in an easy-to-sing range of mid1 A to hi A, it still builds excitement properly, and in the chorus you can let out a big voice with a near-shouted feel.
The scat-like section at the end of the chorus starts with a shout, so it’s good to aim for a slightly more vigorous, rough vocal style.
Songs whose titles start with “I”. Great songs beginning with “I” (221–230)
forever; for good; indefinitelyGReeeeN
A gem of a love song included on the classic album Salt, Pepper, released in June 2009 and winner of the Best Album Award at the 51st Japan Record Awards.
Featuring a warm, piano-centered ensemble and the sincere harmonies of the four members, it’s a deeply comforting number.
Its lyrics, which suggest that the casual scenes of everyday life are true happiness and express a wish to build a future by layering those days one by one, gently embrace the listener’s heart.
The baby’s laughter used effectively in this track also adds a sense of pure joy to the music.
A heartwarming pop tune perfect for peaceful moments spent with someone you cherish.
A lot happened, butMaiku Tachibana
Recommended for those who love urban, chill tracks.
This piece by Vocaloid producer Maiku Tachibana, known for work rooted in electronica and experimental music, was released in May 2024.
The song portrays someone who, despite experiencing loneliness and setbacks in an imperfect everyday life, rises again in pursuit of a better self.
Its introspective message intertwines with the beat to create a one-of-a-kind soundscape.
Another highlight is how Hatsune Miku’s soft vocals blend seamlessly into the chill groove.
each5≠1Åusa burū
An exquisite R&B-flavored number where sophisticated piano melodies intertwine with an urban beat.
Created by UsaBlue, a producer well-versed in classical and jazz, it was released in August 2017.
Over its mature chord progressions, Kaai Yuki delivers a heartrending melody—the contrast is superb.
The lyrics depict the frustratingly delicate relationship between two girls, drawing you deeply into its subtle world.
Why not give it a careful listen while gazing out the window at night?
Inn at Itakokawashima kazunari
This debut work was released to the world by Kazunari Kawashima from Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, after passing the NHK audition.
Released in April 1983, the piece was crafted into a classic, orthodox enka that evokes the ambiance of the waterways, with lyrics by veteran Tadao Hirayama and composition by Yoshio Kimura.
Set in Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture, it gently sings of travel sentiment and the sorrow of parting, featuring expressive phrasing and emotional nuance characteristic of enka.
A must-listen for enka fans, it is a masterpiece that conveys the traditions of Showa-era enka.