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!]
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- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ki”
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
Songs with titles starting with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I' (471–480)
Celebratory ShowerMatsumae Hiroko
Released in 1990, this song is a moving work that gently portrays family love.
Hiroko Matsumae’s richly expressive vocals seem to resonate deeply with listeners.
The complex feelings of parents sending their daughter off to marry are brilliantly captured through skillful imagery—such as likening them to the sharp bite of wasabi on sea bream sashimi.
Imbued with the bonds between parent and child and the joy of a new beginning, it’s perfect for weddings and longevity celebrations.
With its warm vocals and heartfelt lyrics, it beautifully enhances gatherings of family and relatives.
Song of IppondokkoSuizenji Kiyoko
More than half a century has passed since the illustrious singer Kiyoko Suizenji made her debut in 1965.
Hailing from Kumamoto in Kyushu, she has continued to thrive in the realms of enka and kayōkyoku, while her broad musicality—incorporating elements of pop and Latin—adds to her appeal.
She shot to stardom with her debut single, “Namida o Da ita Wataridori” (A Migratory Bird Embracing Tears), and is also known for signature songs such as “Sanbyaku Rokujūgo Ho no Māchi” (The 365-Step March).
She achieved the remarkable feat of appearing in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen for 22 consecutive years and is famous for having served as host four times.
In 2020, she marked the 55th anniversary of her debut and continues to be active with undiminished energy.
Beyond her career as a singer, Suizenji is also an actress.
Beloved by people of all ages, she truly deserves to be called a national icon.
Sounds good!Nagai Masato
It’s a song filled with passion.
Released in July 2000, it was used as the second ending theme for the anime HUNTER×HUNTER.
Masato Nagai’s powerful vocals and the catchy melody leave a strong impression.
The lyrics, carrying the message “If we’re together, we’ll manage somehow,” are encouraging.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel more positive.
Alone on the Iwami roadNagai Yuko
A heart-stirring enka woven with bittersweet travel sentiments.
The lyrics are sprinkled with famous sights from Shimane Prefecture, deftly portraying the feelings of a woman traveling with the pain of heartbreak.
Yuko Nagai’s richly expressive vocals leave a profound impression on listeners.
Released in March 2007, it won the Excellent Work Award at the 49th Japan Record Awards.
It’s also a popular choice for karaoke.
This piece could be a great conversation starter for reminiscing with older adults.
Sharing memories of past journeys while softly singing along together would be lovely.
Songs whose titles start with “I.” Great songs that begin with “I” (481–490)
Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu
This song is characterized by its warm vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Celebrated as a classic that gently portrays family bonds and forms of love, it has left a lasting impression on many listeners.
Written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama, it was released in August 2011.
It was also featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and has become a popular staple at weddings.
Created while a nationwide tour was on hold due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the piece reminds us of the importance of human connection and mutual support.
It’s a track I highly recommend to couples preparing for marriage and to anyone who values family ties.
Song of the First TunaFukuda Kouhei
Among Kohei Fukuda’s masculine songs, “Ichiban Maguro no Uta” stands out for its particular vigor.
While the piece is built around a powerful vocal line, it makes minimal use of shouting or growling techniques.
Instead, its strength is conveyed through expansive, ringing vocals and a wide range, making the ability to sing high notes essential.
By focusing on Japan’s distinctive, back-resonant vocal production rather than Western-style projection, you can maintain stability even in the higher passages—keep this in mind as you sing.
It’s nice, it’s nice.Takeshima Hiroshi
If you only know the current Hiroshi Takeshima, you might be surprised when you hear his memorable debut single, “Iimonda Iimonda,” for the first time.
It’s an enka song with a bright, rhythmic feel, and his singing—light and free as he delivers lyrics that evoke the romance of travel—naturally has a fresh, youthful quality.
That said, what’s distinctive about Takeshima is that even in a song like this, he doesn’t use the typical enka-style vocal melisma (kobushi).
He’s even written on his official blog that it’s “a song that relieves stress,” so don’t overthink it—get everyone together at karaoke and sing along; it’ll be a blast!
