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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- 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 with titles starting with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I' (41–50)
It’s YouLOVE PSYCHEDELICO
A cool rock number that portrays hidden passions and inner conflict.
This song by LOVE PSYCHEDELICO was released as a single in August 2011.
It was written as the main theme for the Fuji TV drama “Zettai Reido: Tokushu Hanzai Sennyū Sōsa.” Following its use in the previous series, it closely links with the drama’s worldview.
KUMI’s dry vocals intertwine with NAOKI’s guitar riffs to create a tense sound.
The lyrics blend English and Japanese naturally, sure to spark listeners’ imaginations.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who watched the drama, but also for fans of Japanese rock with a Western vibe.
Into The LightMISIA
People who excel at soaring high notes often choose to sing MISIA’s songs! Among them, I picked “INTO THE LIGHT” this time.
It was released the same year as her debut single “Tsutsumi Komu Yō ni…” and is extremely popular among fans.
The powerful vocals and those strikingly high tones that make you think “How high can she go?” are signature features.
The overall range spans from F#3 to F#5, reaching notes you don’t often use—truly impressive.
Because it’s so high throughout, you really need to focus on breath volume, explosiveness, and core engagement; delivering it like a piercing, chest-voice-like sound is quite challenging.
But the exhilaration after finishing is incredible, so sing it boldly and wow everyone around you!
Since when, exactly?Hatsuboshi Gakuen
A song from the training simulation game “Gakuen Idolmaster.” Produced as a solo track for Temari Tsukimura, this emotional number sings of confronting one’s own weakness and past, and resolving to take a new step forward.
Singer-songwriter Chippoke Ohashi handled both lyrics and composition, crafting striking, heartfelt wording and a bittersweet yet powerful melody.
It’s a courageous song we hope everyone who wants to change their present—and themselves—will listen to.
Poem of Imagesyoshida takurou
This is the landmark debut single released by Takuro Yoshida—who revolutionized Japan’s folk scene—in June 1970 on Elec Records.
An abundance of words, packed in almost like a syllabic overflow, rides the melody with a calm yet powerful resonance.
Rather than offering definitive answers, the lyrics keep posing questions about society and human relationships, revealing something new with every listen.
Also included on the album “Seishun no Uta,” the song was covered by Shogo Hamada in 1997 and later chosen as the theme song for the 2021 animated film “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko.” Beloved across generations, this work gently stays by your side—especially when you find yourself at a crossroads in life or in a quiet night when you want to reflect deeply on yourself.
Beloved DaysHoriuchi Takao
Featuring a star-studded cast led by Kotaro Satomi, the drama Byakkotai was broadcast as a year-end historical special on the Nippon TV network and became a social phenomenon.
The song used as its theme, performed by Takao Horiuchi, was released as a single in October 1986 with lyrics by Kei Ogura.
Powerfully expressing the fleeting yet beautiful passage of time, the track became a major hit in tandem with the drama’s moving scenes and won the Composition Award at the 29th Japan Record Awards.
Its timeless, resonant melody has long been beloved as a karaoke staple.
It’s a song we hope even those who haven’t seen the drama’s original broadcast will take the time to listen to closely.
A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE
Do you know the passionate love song that colored the late-’90s J-Rock scene? Released as a single by SIAM SHADE in November 1997, it was used as the ending theme for the hugely popular anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story and became the band’s biggest hit.
Also included on the album SIAM SHADE IV: Zero, this classic masterfully fuses hard-edged instrumentation with a catchy melody.
One of its greatest charms is that, despite the band’s high level of musicianship, the chorus is so familiar and easy for anyone to sing along to.
It’s incredibly well-known—just the intro is enough to trigger cheers.
Try singing it when you want to create a sense of unity at a get-together with friends from the same generation!
IT’S ONLY LOVEFukuyama Masaharu
This is one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature numbers, which became widely known in living rooms across Japan as the commercial song for DyDo Drinco’s “DyDo Blend Coffee,” and marked his first million-selling hit.
Released in March 1994, it also achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Oricon Weekly Chart for four consecutive weeks.
Despite its refreshingly rock-flavored sound, the lyrics reveal lingering attachment and a sense of loss toward a former lover, making it a heartbreak song where the more bravado you show, the more the sadness wells up.
Arranged by Makoto Saito to sit in a comfortable vocal range, it’s also appealing in how easy it is to sing with feeling.
It’s a classic I recommend when you want to look forward while reflecting on a past love, or when you want to belt it out at karaoke and feel refreshed.