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' (441–450)
YellKobukuro
This song by Kobukuro resonates with many as a cheering anthem.
Imbued with messages of hope and courage, it portrays the strength to face hardships and the promise of the future.
Released in March 2001, the track drew significant attention as Kobukuro’s major-label debut single.
It was also featured as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Uchi Kuru!?” and in commercials for Tokio Marine & Nichido, making it popular across a wide audience.
It’s a perfect song for graduation ceremonies and for those embarking on new beginnings.
Be sure to listen to this heartwarming support song that gives you the courage to step forward into the future.
Pilgrimage Without PrayersSatsuki
This is a Vocaloid song that portrays a journey of facing your true self—neither self-admonishment nor mere ornamentation.
Created by Satsuki, it was released in February 2025.
The call-and-response between three UTAU voicebanks—Kasane Teto, Adachi Rei, and Utane Uta—adds a nuanced flavor, and the energetic sound that fuses electronic music with rock leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics, which capture the resolve to carve out your own path without praying for miracles and the struggle to find something universal, resonate deeply.
I think it’s an UTAU track that can really fire you up.
Crazy Babyfisshumanzu
A gem of a love song whose gentle, dreamlike melody and wistful vocals seep into the heart.
It beautifully conveys the feelings of a protagonist who pictures their lover’s face in times of sorrow, set to rhythms of reggae and hip-hop.
The poetic lyrics liken the presence of a precious person—someone who remains a source of strength even from afar—to a magical power.
Released by Fishmans in June 1993 and included on the album “Neo Yankees’ Holiday,” this track has become a classic, covered by many artists.
It’s a perfect song for quiet nights when you’re thinking of someone, or when you want to sink into memories of a loved one.
Illusion ShowMiura Daichi
A number by Daichi Miura that carries you into a fantastical world on exotic, Latin-infused rhythms.
Its bewitching, magic-show-like atmosphere captivates listeners.
Included on the album “D.M.” released in November 2011, the track was also performed on the nationwide “Synesthesia” tour that began in August of the same year.
In concert, Miura’s fusion of dance and vocal prowess delivers a breathtaking performance that transports the audience into a dreamlike escape from everyday life.
It’s the perfect song to hype up party scenes or active moments.
Izakaya HotaruUesugi Kaori
Kaori Uesugi, a native of Tsubame City in Niigata Prefecture, made her debut in June 1995 with “Kazemura” on BMG JAPAN.
Her distinctive, resonant lower register has captivated many fans.
In 2006, “Onna-zake” became a major hit, selling 200,000 copies.
Her 20th-anniversary single “Izakaya Hotaru” has been praised as classic, guitar-driven enka.
In 1996, she won the Newcomer Music Award at the 33rd Golden Arrow Awards.
Uesugi excels at emotionally rich, minor-key enka.
She’s highly recommended for listeners drawn to a gentle, soulful voice that evokes Niigata’s snow country.
Path of LifeNakamura Mitsuko
Among Mitsuko Nakamura’s songs, the famed “Inochi no Hanamichi” is known as one of her most poignant, melancholic numbers.
This piece incorporates kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) that include hiccups—an inverted, flipping vocal technique characteristic of the Kawachi Ondo style.
Because the Kawachi Ondo kobushi is generally easier than the typical chest-voice kobushi that moves pitch up and down, the overall difficulty of this song is set relatively low.
However, if the key doesn’t suit your voice, the difficulty can spike sharply, so when singing it at karaoke, adjust the key so that your voice flips comfortably right at the kobushi passages.
If we ever meet in the city somedayNakamura Masatoshi
It’s a gently written, heart-touching classic about memories of a past lover and the wish to meet again.
From parting in the city of memories, to love and resentment, and even the moment when dreams were shattered, it weaves together every moment the two spent together.
Masatoshi Nakamura’s warm vocals blend beautifully with the soothing melody crafted by Takuro Yoshida, resulting in a song that evokes both nostalgia and bittersweet longing.
Released in May 1975, it was used as an insert song in the drama “Oretachi no Kunshō” and reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
Many artists, including Naoko Ken and Masayuki Suzuki, have covered it.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to if you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or when you’re in the mood to reminisce about the past.