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.”
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- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
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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 that begin with “I” (461–470)
An Unspoken GoodbyeKiyoshi Maekawa · Tomio Umezawa
A male duo performing enka and kayōkyoku is a rare combination, but this song by Kiyoshi Maekawa and Tomio Umezawa brings out the full appeal of that pairing.
With their deep, resonant voices and richly emotional delivery, they vividly express the pain of heartbreak and the sting of regret.
Although the song was released in November 2003 without any particular tie-in, its profound emotional expression and wistful melody captured many hearts and it remains enduringly popular.
For those who have experienced adult love and parting, it’s a track that resonates deeply.
It’s great for karaoke, of course, but also highly recommended for a quiet night of attentive listening.
celebratory sakeSakamoto Fuyumi
This gem of a song weaves feelings of celebration for a new chapter in life into its lyrics.
As a bright, festive enka number, it has been cherished for many years.
With a powerful yet warm voice, it gently sings of the wish for the couple’s happy future.
Released in April 1988 and awarded the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards, this work has since been performed many times on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show as one of Fuyumi Sakamoto’s signature songs.
It’s highly recommended across generations as a celebratory song for important life moments—such as weddings or departure days.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Baton of LifeShimazu Aya
Aya Shimazu’s famous song “Inochi no Baton” (The Baton of Life).
Compared to other enka singers, Aya Shimazu often performs enka and kayōkyoku with many pop elements, and this piece is among the easiest to sing.
Of course, since it’s performed by an enka singer, it retains a certain enka flavor, but it leans heavily toward pop, so it shouldn’t feel difficult to sing.
There are very few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), and as long as you focus on a clear, expansive vocal tone, you can definitely aim for a high score at karaoke.
