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” (451–460)
strawberryOosawa Momoko
Since her debut in 2003, Momoko Osawa—a singer-songwriter from Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture—has drawn attention for her distinctive musical style that, while rooted in enka, incorporates elements of rock and pop.
Her signature song “Ichigo” (Strawberry), a heartfelt expression of gratitude to her mother, is beloved by many fans.
Her talent has been highly recognized, including receiving the Japan Composer’s Association Encouragement Award in 2011.
Beyond her musical activities, Osawa is also deeply engaged in social contribution, such as leading a song project to raise disaster-preparedness awareness and performing goodwill concerts at welfare facilities.
With her warm vocals and lyrics that resonate closely with people’s hearts, Osawa’s music is highly recommended for anyone seeking enka that truly moves the soul.
Let’s eatTendō Yoshimi
Yoshimi Tendo has sung enka spanning a wide range of musical styles, and among them, her song “Itadakimasu” is especially known for its bright tone.
This piece was used as the theme song for the NHK program “Weekly Children’s News,” and is characterized by a cheerful, easy-to-understand melody that even children can enjoy.
While it firmly retains the essence of enka, it surprisingly features very few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), making it quite approachable for newcomers to the genre.
Consider adding it to your repertoire.
An ocean sunfish is dead behind the house.Ie no ura de manbō ga shinderu P
The story told from a uniquely quirky perspective is the hallmark of “A Sunfish Died Behind My House.” The song was released on Niconico in July 2009.
The video features illustrations drawn by the artist’s real-life older sister, manga creator Hiro Hata.
As the title suggests, it starts with the mysterious situation of a sunfish dying behind the house, and the surreal developments continue to the very end.
It’s packed with the bewildered protagonist’s feelings—pure chaos.
The cool rock sound that drives it all only heightens the impact of that contrast.
Keiji, the flower that blooms on the battlefieldKobayashi Sachiko
One of the theme songs from the Hanano Keiji series, widely acclaimed as Newgin’s greatest masterpiece.
I’m sure many people are hooked on its irresistible groove, which rivals, if not surpasses, the series’ biggest hit, Noburo Kakuta’s “Yossha Otoko Uta.” The lyrics are a must-hear too, with one bold line after another, like “A man shines only when he fights; the battlefield is a man’s stage.” And with Sachiko Kobayashi—the final boss of the enka world—singing it, how could you not get excited? I highly recommend it even to those who don’t play pachinko or pachislo!
thorn treeKobayashi Sachiko
In 2012, Sachiko Kobayashi ended her long-standing contract with Nippon Columbia and launched her own label, SACHIKO Premium Records.
The song “Ibara no Ki” (Thorn Tree) was released as a fresh start under that label.
In fact, it was originally supposed to be released in 2013 as a song commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kobayashi’s debut, but it was instead unveiled as the first release on her independent label.
Masashi Sada wrote both the lyrics and music.
Kobayashi’s heartfelt performance of this piece—which sits somewhere between an enka ballad and a kayōkyoku-style ballad—conveys a sense of renewed determination and resolve.
Within Kobayashi’s catalog, the overall pitch is set relatively low, making the melody easier to sing for those who struggle with high notes.
That said, the range is still quite wide, and the final section of the last chorus requires sustaining a low long tone with vibrato, which will take some practice—so focus on repeating that part.
Songs whose titles start with “I”. Masterpieces that begin with “I” (461–470)
Color NinjaOzawa Kazuto
Dress up in colorful costumes and transform into ninjas! Let us introduce “Iro Ninja.” When you think of a ninja’s outfit, what color comes to mind? Many people probably imagine understated colors like black or navy.
This time, let’s dance to “Iro Ninja” while wearing ninja costumes in a variety of colors.
The energetic opening of the song is sure to heighten children’s excitement.
The ninja techniques matched to each color will be the highlight!
Fishing-fire drizzleKonishi Reiko
Reiko Konishi, a native of Hachinohe City, is an enka singer signed to Crown Records.
Versatile across genres from enka to jazz, she also puts great effort into local Aomori-themed songs.
She is highly active with a focus on Aomori Prefecture, cherishing the emotional nuance of traditional enka and earning support from fans across generations.
Highly recommended for those interested in the culture and climate of Aomori.