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!
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- 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” (451–460)
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.
Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKUBOTA Saki
A song known for its exotic resonance and mysterious atmosphere.
Released in October 1979 as Saki Kubota’s debut single, it gradually gained popularity.
It was also used in a Sanyo Electric commercial, and in December of the same year it reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The record became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies sold.
Centered on the theme of heartbreak, the song expresses the feeling of being in a foreign land and the loneliness that comes from having a sensibility different from those around you.
It also carries a hopeful message that time will heal emotional wounds.
The sound of the hammered dulcimer, a traditional folk instrument, is particularly striking, making this a recommended track for those who want to savor a richly exotic mood.
Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKume Sayuri
This beloved song sinks into the heart with its mysterious, exotic melody and lyrics that liken love to the loneliness and yearning of a distant land.
Released in October 1979, it quickly drew widespread attention and became a major hit after being featured in a Sanyo Electric TV commercial.
Originally a simple tune, it was reborn as a piece of New Music with a unique atmosphere through Middle Eastern–style arrangements.
It’s a heartwarming number that gently accompanies those on the verge of a journey or a new encounter.
Izakayaitsuki hiroshi, kinomi nana
A gem of a duet overflowing with nostalgia and warmth.
This is a collaborative work by Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi, released in 1982.
It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and a new version by Hiroshi Itsuki and Fuyumi Sakamoto appeared in 2017.
Set in an izakaya, it gently sings about the human connections born from chance encounters.
The unadorned lyrics and pleasant melody seep into the listener’s heart.
It’s easy for older audiences to enjoy and is sure to be a hit at karaoke.
Why not join voices with everyone and sing it while savoring the subtleties of life?
Akira Ifukube / From Japanese Suite for Orchestra: Bon Odori, Tanabata, Nebuta / Chiba Prefecture Youth OrchestraInoue Michiyoshi
Michiaki Inoue is one of Japan’s conductors active both at home and abroad.
In 1971, he won the Guido Cantelli Conducting Competition organized by La Scala in Milan, instantly attracting widespread attention.
He has served as music director for numerous leading orchestras, including the New Japan Philharmonic and the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, captivating audiences with innovative programming and rich musicality.
Renowned for his interpretations of Mahler and Shostakovich symphonies, he successfully led the Japan-Russia Friendship Complete Shostakovich Symphonies Project in 2007, a feat that earned high acclaim.
Inoue’s passionate conducting moves many people, and his performances are highly recommended for those who wish to discover new charms in classical music.
Songs whose titles start with “I”. Masterpieces that begin with “I” (461–470)
Someday, become a star that never fades.Kasamura Tōta
A Vocaloid track that blends poignancy and emotion, pressing close to the heart.
Composed by Toa Kasamura, it was released in January 2025.
The lyrics—an earnest wish to stay by the side of someone precious, reaching toward eternity—truly resonate.
Its beautiful piano-only arrangement and Hatsune Miku’s clear, straightforward vocals are profoundly moving.
It’s a song to listen to when you feel lonely.
It will surely soothe you with a gentle touch.
Izakaya “Showa”Yashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro’s classic “Izakaya ‘Showa’” leaves a strikingly somber impression.
Yashiro is renowned for her ‘men’s songs,’ and among them, this piece is exceptionally rugged and refined.
True to enka style, there are solid kobushi (ornamental turns), but most of them shift only one or two scale degrees, so it shouldn’t feel difficult.
Rather than a clean vocal tone, this song benefits from a weathered, husky quality, so it’s recommended to sing it when your voice feels a bit worn.
