Songs with titles starting with “Ki” [Great for karaoke & shiritori!]
Songs with titles starting with “ki,” featuring many frequently appearing words like “kimi” (you) and “kibou” (hope).
Hit songs pop up regularly, and their impactful phrases and fresh, distinctive worlds leave a strong impression.
I can’t think of many off the top of my head, so I want to look them up a bit…! We’ve gathered a list of songs with titles that start with “ki” that might come in handy at such times.
Please use it not only when you’re curious about what songs begin with “ki,” but also as inspiration for word-chain games or choosing tracks at karaoke.
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ki”
- Songs with titles that start with 'gi'
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
- A roundup of songs that start with “ku.” Perfect for shiritori or picking karaoke tracks!
- Songs with titles starting with “Ko” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- A roundup of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ke”
- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
- Songs with titles that start with “Pi.” Useful for word-chain games or karaoke hints!
- Songs with titles that start with “Ri”
- Songs with titles starting with 'Ka'
- Songs with titles that start with “Chi.” Useful as hints for word-chain games!
- Songs with titles that start with a number. Useful for karaoke or playlist selection.
- Vocaloid songs that start with 'Ka'
Songs with Titles Starting with “Ki” [Great for Karaoke & Shiritori!] (461–470)
The Northern LandKitajima Saburō
It’s a powerful masterpiece by the legendary enka singer Saburō Kitajima, one of his signature songs, depicting the majestic nature of Hokkaido and the lives of its people.
The melody is rich with emotion, and the lyrics superbly convey both the beauty and the severity of the vast land.
Released in January 1991 and used in a commercial for Kowa Pharmaceutical’s “Una Kowa,” the song was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It won the Japan Record Award the same year and has continued to be cherished as one of Kitajima’s representative works.
While not an easy song to sing, it’s well-known and therefore relatively easy to remember, and people from Hokkaido in particular may find it resonates with feelings for their hometown.
Brothers TavernSaburō Kitajima · Ichirō Toba
A gem of a duet by Saburo Kitajima and Ichiro Toba that casts new light on the world of enka through a male duo.
Released as a single in 2013, this piece depicts a rugged masculine world that stirs the hearts of enka fans.
Set in a tavern, the life stories of men bound by a brother-like, unbreakable bond are exquisitely expressed through the harmony of their distinctive voices.
With lyrics by Toshiya Niitani that resonate deeply and a richly emotive melody by Joji Hara, the song achieves a superb balance—preserving enka tradition while embracing a modern arrangement.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the subtleties of life or reflect on the bonds of male friendship.
Brotherly linked-verseKitajima Kyōdai
A passionate song of bonds by a powerhouse duo from the enka world! Two artists connected to Saburo Kitajima have teamed up to deliver a friendly, pop-flavored enka.
The voices of Takeshi Kitayama and Yutaka Oe weave a sense of male friendship that resonates in the heart.
Released in February 2019, this work is the final piece by Daichi Tsuchiko, Saburo Kitajima’s second son.
With plenty of choreography, it offers a different kind of fun from typical enka.
Perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to feel the bond with your close friends.
As a rare enka that sings about male friendship, it’s definitely worth checking out!
The northern city, HakodateKitagawa Daisuke
Daisuke Kitagawa has woven a poignant, adult love story set in a port town.
While richly retaining the nostalgic flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku, this piece features a tenor saxophone that resonates to great effect, creating a gem of a song where wistfulness and warmth blend beautifully.
Scheduled for release in February 2025, the track is set in Hakodate and conveys feelings for a once-beloved partner now separated, expressed with remarkable vocal prowess.
Interweaving evocative depictions of Hakodate—its brick-lined streets and nightscapes—the song brings a heartfelt yearning for someone precious to the fore.
As a mellow, mature enka best savored alone on a quiet night, it leaves a deep and lasting impression.
Kita-ShinchiYoshi Ikuzo
While the enka genre typically involves professional lyricists and composers writing songs for singers, Ikuzo Yoshi stands out as a singer-songwriter who writes and performs his own material.
From comic-song flavors to authentic enka, he has produced hits across a wide spectrum, and he has also left many ‘local songs’ themed around towns across Japan.
This track, “Kita-Shinchi,” is literally themed on Osaka’s famous entertainment district.
It was included on the album “35th Anniversary: Thanks to Everyone — A Journey of Poems,” and later self-covered on “50th Anniversary Album III — Bringing Yoshi to Your Town.” The song sits somewhere between enka and mood kayō, making it perfect for karaoke.
That said, keeping the rhythm is tricky, and simply matching the melody to the pitches won’t fully bring out the song’s appeal.
To capture the nuanced flavor of someone who has tasted life’s bittersweet experiences, practice until you can sing it with effortless ease.
joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasureMasuda Takahisa
An ambitious work that portrays the full spectrum of human emotions.
It’s a song by Takahisa Masuda, released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Kidoairaku” (Joy, Anger, Sorrow, Pleasure).
From richly expressive a cappella to blisteringly fast rap, its whirlwind structure leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics firmly capture the joy, anger, sadness, and fun we experience as we walk through life.
On days when your mood swings wildly, this track might be just the help you need.
The youth I walked through with youŌta Hiromi
A song by Hiromi Ohta that captured the hearts of many and stands as a signature work from the golden age of folk music.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise, it was released as a single in December 1977 and is also included on the album “12-Page Poetry Collection.” Its lyrics and melody gently embrace the loneliness of the end of youth and the parting from someone dear.
Ohta’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply with listeners.
When you feel like looking back on your youthful days, give it a listen.