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 beginning with 'I' (351–360)
INNOCENTArea
Many of you probably remember the late-1980s band scene.
Among them, AREA made a striking impression on the TV show Ikasu Band Tengoku.
Their gritty sound—evoking 1960s garage rock and standing apart from the prevailing trends of the time—felt incredibly fresh.
With a retro vibe that seemed to run counter to the era and performances so energetic they felt hurled at you with their whole bodies, they had an unforgettable, addictive quality after just one viewing.
Even after a drummer change, their momentum never waned; if anything, they grew more powerful, drawing audiences in irresistibly.
They’re a band that music fans who “just want to be blown away by insanely cool playing” absolutely need to hear.
Rhyme Wave Phrase DisciplesCHEHON
Osaka reggae anthem “Inbakuto.” I think it’s rare for people who were in their 20s to have enjoyed it in real time when it was released, but there are probably many who discovered it through CHEHON’s participation in MC battles.
Although the track is structured with few break points, its vocal range is narrow, so as long as you memorize the lyrics and flow, you should be able to sing it without any issues.
It’s a sure-fire hit for guys’ karaoke, so definitely add it to your repertoire.
Relay of LifeNakajima Miyuki
This is a work that deeply stirs the listener’s heart, themed around the grand chain of life.
After being performed in the 2004 stage production Yakai, the song was included on the acclaimed 2005 November release Tensei TEN-SEI.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the New Year’s special on Friday Prestige, A Woman’s Lifetime: Chiaki Mukai—The Woman Who Chased Her Dream into Space.
Even dreams that cannot be fulfilled in a single lifetime are passed on like a baton to the next generation.
That gentle yet stern message really sets the heart aflame.
It’s a profound masterpiece that feels like a quiet push on your back when you reach a crossroads in life.
INTRODUCTIONBOØWY
An instrumental track with experimental sounds that captivates the heart.
It’s the opening song of the debut album “MORAL,” released in March 1982.
It’s said that this piece was added at the very end by guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, who wanted to include it as a song that pays respect to BOØWY, when the album was nearly complete.
The avant-garde, provocative sound seems to embody the band’s strong will to “belong nowhere,” and it really leaves an impression.
If you listen to it before the start of something new, you might feel a rush of exhilaration, as if their early impulses were taking hold of you.
Yasaka LIT feat. CHICO CARLITOOZworld
“Let’s celebrate the future with a feast, not a fight!” This is a positive toast anthem by Okinawa-born rapper OZworld, featuring fellow Okinawan CHICO CARLITO.
True to its title—which fuses a traditional Japanese phrase wishing for prosperity with an Okinawan dialect expression for “cheers”—the song carries a powerful message that shines a light of hope in chaotic times.
Released in May 2025, it was created to commemorate their first Nippon Budokan concert scheduled for October of the same year.
Gather with your closest friends, talk about the future ahead, and this track is guaranteed to lift the mood at any celebration!
Fate-bound by lifeMatsumae Hiroko
In this milestone year marking her 55th debut anniversary, Hiroko Masomae delivers a heartwarming enka song about a married couple.
It portrays a deep, gentle love as two people vow to walk the long road of life together, never letting go of each other’s hand.
The track will be released in June 2025 as a double A-side single, “Yagoshi Misaki / Inochi Michizure.” The composition is by her mentor, Saburo Kitajima, under his pen name Joji Hara.
Masomae’s increasingly seasoned vocals seem to softly kindle hope for tomorrow in listeners’ hearts.
It’s a song that inspires you to express gratitude to the partner who has been by your side for so many years.
INCREDIBLEDENIMS
DENIMS is a four-piece band from Osaka that lays down feel-good sounds! Their music is rooted in funk and blues, yet it’s characterized by a delightful mash-up that pulls in hip-hop and city pop as well.
Since releasing their first nationally distributed mini-album “Daily use” in 2015, they’ve been on a remarkable roll.
In 2020, their track “I’m” was chosen for FM802’s heavy rotation, and in 2019 they provided a song for Coming Century—proof of their solid credentials.
They’ve even drawn 800 people to their own festival, ODD SAFARI.
Their sound somehow feels loose and earthy yet stylish, and it might be perfect if you’re looking for music that gently fits into your everyday life.