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' (281–290)
Live, Benjamin (ver. H. Matsumoto)Matsumoto Hitoshi
It’s a deeply evocative song that portrays heartbreak through the motif of a houseplant.
The lyrics mirror a man’s emotions after a breakup in the image of a potted plant standing quietly in the corner of a room.
In the silence after returning from a lively place, the way he speaks to the weakened plant feels as if he’s gently caring for himself.
Rather than simply offering encouragement, the song’s warmth lies in how it softly stands by you and whispers, “Live.” It was released as a single simultaneously with Masatoshi Hamada’s version in February 1991.
If you listen to it alone on a quiet night, you may find yourself deeply drawn into its world.
Live, Benjamin (ver. M. Hamada)Hamada Masatoshi
This is the memorable first song that Masatoshi Hamada from Downtown released as a solo artist.
It came out in February 1991 as a counterpart to his partner Hitoshi Matsumoto’s version, and its unique concept drew a lot of attention at the time.
With lyrics by Takemi Shima and music by Masahide Sakuma, the track stands out not only for the clever idea behind it but also for its high musical quality.
The title’s message—“Live”—carries a powerful resonance that seems to strike straight at the listener’s heart.
When you’re feeling a bit worn down by life or need courage to move forward, Hamada’s unadorned, straightforward voice will push you from behind with the strength and warmth of a friend.
I live, I will keep on living.Fukuyama Masaharu
A number whose appeal lies in its warm ode to life that inspires hope for the future.
Released in March 2012, this song was chosen as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Island of Miracles ~Animal Adventure~.
Set to a lively sound that incorporates ska rhythms, it sings of the grand theme of the relay of life passed down across generations.
Its gentle yet powerful message resonates in the heart, inviting children and adults alike to hum along.
Remarkably, this work achieved the feat of becoming the first Doraemon film theme song in 28 years to reach No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Why not listen to it together as a family and talk about the connections of life?
Closest to meHY
This is the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Jun to Ai, created by HY, a band from Okinawa.
Its lyrics, which depict bonds deepened by belief and the preciousness of the love right beside us, resonate with the heroine’s pure determination as she faces hardships, making the story all the more moving.
Included on the album Route 29 released in December 2012, the song is a classic—there’s even an anecdote that the executive producer praised it as “the number one theme song in the history of morning dramas.” Lead actress Nana also commented that she “couldn’t stop getting goosebumps,” speaking to the song’s powerful impact.
In The DarkHanbaato Hanbaato
This piece is performed as if gently accompanying the memory of a loved one who has been lost.
Written and composed by Ryosei Sato, it portrays a serious, introspective worldview.
The melody is striking for the warmth it conveys even amid sorrow.
The track is included on the album “Carnival Dreams,” released in November 2024.
In April 2025, a music video featuring actor Mikako Ichikawa was also released.
The dreamlike visuals woven from overseas cityscapes feel like a journey through a dream.
It’s recommended for quiet nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts.
ink spotinku
The gaming commentary group, Ink.
Their first original song, “Ink Spot,” whose music video was released in August 2025, also drew attention for being written and composed by 40mP, known as a Vocaloid producer.
Its worldview—where each member’s individuality blends like ink to create a new landscape—resonates deeply, enhanced by refreshingly crisp sound.
Many listeners will likely find themselves layering their own experiences onto the song’s portrayal of irreplaceable friendship among companions.
It’s a pop tune whose appeal lies in its straightforward message.
Iina Festivalyūri
A song by Yuuri with an addictive, can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head sound and a shape-shifting “gacha voice” that’s full of charm.
Scheduled for release in August 2025, it features a hyperpop track produced by Sasuke Haraguchi that will have your body moving before you know it.
The lyrics—brimming with humor and crafted from Yuuri’s own words—are another highlight.
If you’re someone who often holds back from saying what you really think, this track might give you a refreshing sense of release!