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.”
- 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.
- [March 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
- [Deeply Moving] A Tear-Jerking Cheer Song: Popular Inspirational 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 with titles that start with 'I'. Masterpieces beginning with 'I' (301–310)
ifNishino Kana
“If” has a melody that conveys a poignant feeling right from the intro—it’s such a beautiful song.
It’s the piece my student practiced the most, and it holds special memories because they said, “I want to sing with a beautiful voice like Kana-yan’s!” and overcame their struggle with falsetto.
The highest note in this song is D#5, which is of course high, but I think the improvised falsetto lines at the beginning and end can be tough if you’re not used to them, since they’re sung with various articulations.
Those ad-lib sections sound so beautiful, so it’s worth nailing them.
With themes like “fateful encounters” and “hopes for the future,” I’d love for you to sing it to someone important to you.
Just being alive is a reward.Aoyama Teruma
This song is the one that gently gives me a push when I feel like luck isn’t on my side.
Released by Thelma Aoyama in December 2019, it draws its lyrics from the “messages for living happily” she wrote in her own essays.
Set to a soothing R&B-pop melody, the words wash over you with wholehearted affirmation.
It became one of her signature tracks, to the point that it was later included on the album Scorpion Moon.
When you’re feeling down or losing confidence, listening to it will surely lift your spirits.
Treat yourself and give it a listen.
Ikisara SAY!PICKLES
It’s a burst of playful, exhilarating power pop that makes you want to shout along without even thinking! This track comes from PICKLES, a girls’ band from Takatsuki, Osaka, featured on their 2020 album “Don Namon JAY!!”.
The boundless, sunny energy—just like in the music video where they play energetically in a midsummer room—lifts your spirits just by listening.
The tambourine and whistle create a festive atmosphere, as if condensing the best summer day spent with friends.
It’s a perfect song for a summer drive, too.
A fleeting fireworkNGT48
NGT48, the Niigata-based idol group, released their 10th single “Isshun no Hanabi” in August 2024.
It drew attention for featuring the group’s first-ever triple center, led by Miyu Fujisaki, Nanami Otsuka, and Haruka Ogose.
The song portrays the fleeting sadness of a transient love, mirrored in fireworks that bloom in the night sky only to vanish in an instant.
Its mid-tempo, slightly nostalgic melody deftly captures both the glittering memories and the loneliness that follows.
It’s a beautiful, ephemeral piece that perfectly evokes the feelings at summer’s end—an outstanding track to savor on long autumn nights.
Yesterday’sTOKIO
A song that begins with an introspective scene—gazing at a motionless swing in a quiet park.
In truth, its theme is a powerful story of rebirth, overcoming the past and stepping into the future.
This track was included on the classic album “YESTERDAY & TODAY,” released in February 2000, and it also became the theme song for the popular TV show “Gachinko!”.
When you’re struggling at a turning point in life, the song’s dramatic progression and band sound will surely give you a push forward.
IstanbulShōno Mayoyo
Mayoyo Shono’s biggest hit, “Tonde Istanbul.” It’s a piece marked by its airy, floating vocal quality.
The real charm lies in the high-pitched phrases of the chorus.
You might find this part difficult, but the falsetto there is actually in the lower range, so if you’re aiming for a high karaoke score, it’s best to adjust the key so you can sing it comfortably in a mixed voice.
Be careful not to lower the key too much, or the falsetto at the end of the chorus will become harder to reach.
The vocal line itself is very simple, so if you’re aiming for a high score, definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
I don’t mean to sound surprised, but…matsumura kanau
“You’re my reason to live—I love you unbearably.” It’s a very heartwarming love song that captures everyday moments with a live-in partner.
Watching him, a little absent-minded yet earnestly trying to express his love in his own clumsy way, you can’t help but smile.
Kanau Matsumura’s gentle vocals beautifully convey this warm worldview.
Released in October 2024, the song also drew attention for its music video featuring comedian Donguri Takeshi and actress Non Nagisa.
After listening, you might find your partner’s little slip-ups even more endearing than before.