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)
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Like a heartfelt letter, it’s a timeless song that resonates deeply.
Hiromi Ohta’s pure, crystalline voice sinks into the soul.
Released in December 1975, it was performed at the 27th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the following year.
The lyrics poignantly depict a long-distance romance between a man leaving his rural hometown for the city and a woman who remains behind.
Told in a dialogue between the two, the story vividly contrasts urban and rural values.
It’s a song that comforts those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who yearn for a distant lover.
When you want to convey feelings kept in your heart, give it a listen.
Songs with titles starting with 'Ki' [Great for Karaoke & Shiritori!] (471–480)
Kowloon Stray DogMiyamori Bungaku
This track is characterized by a Chinese-style sound arrangement by Bungaku Miyamori.
Released in December 2024, it’s a Kagamine Rin and Len duet that’s uptempo and highly addictive.
It also incorporates rap elements, brimming with energetic vibes.
The lyrics, themed around the bustle of the city and a freewheeling way of life, have a strong narrative, making it impossible not to ponder the relationship between the two characters who appear in the song.
It’s one of the 24 works commemorating the 17th anniversary of Kagamine Rin and Len—be sure to check it out!
Your sakeYamauchi Keisuke
“Kimi no Sake” is an early signature song released in 2004, the year Keisuke Yamauchi—who debuted as an enka singer while still in high school—turned 21.
With lyrics of just four lines per verse, it exudes the classic feel of mainstream enka.
Yet, even within a genre where singers often portray a variety of characters, including female roles, Yamauchi himself describes “Kimi no Sake” as a song that reflects his true, unembellished self.
It’s a piece that fully showcases Yamauchi’s appeal as a skilled enka vocalist who delivers each word with care and precision.
As a quintessential enka number, experienced enka singers will likely find it straightforward to perform, while those new to the genre may need a bit of practice.
Try singing it with attention to the contrast between the calm first half and the soaring, expansive chorus.
Mist-bound feelingsYamauchi Keisuke
As the catchphrase “I’m an enka high-schooler” suggests, this is Keisuke Yamauchi’s memorable debut song, Kijō! Released in April 2001, Kijō features lyrics by none other than the grand master Tetsurō Hoshino, and composition by Hideo Mizumori—who is quintessentially associated with Yamauchi—resulting in a classic enka in a minor key.
Though youthful and fresh, his poised, self-assured singing is astonishing even now, hardly what you’d expect from a high school student.
Hallmark enka techniques like kobushi are woven throughout, and to be honest, it’s tough to sing right off the bat if you’re not used to enka.
The melody is easy to learn, so start by humming along, and gradually practice incorporating elements like kobushi and vibrato over time!
bond; emotional ties; connectionYamakawa Yutaka
Yutaka Yamakawa’s masterpiece “Kizuna” is distinguished by its wistful melody.
As his career has progressed, Yamakawa has released more songs with a Showa-kayō flavor, but around the time this work came out, his releases tended to emphasize the classic enka style.
In this piece, there are relatively many kobushi (ornamental vibrato turns) for a Yamakawa song.
The kobushi here are more technically demanding than in his other works, but since each turn is limited to changes across two scale degrees, it’s by no means a particularly difficult song.
If you’d like to add a track brimming with enka character from Yutaka Yamakawa to your repertoire, be sure to check this one out.
hopeKishi Yoko
As one of the quintessential songs of the Showa era, it continues to be loved by many to this day.
The protagonist’s poignant longing as they journey in search of hope is conveyed through Yoko Kishi’s crystal-clear vocals.
Released in 1970, the song was featured in a segment of the variety show “Matsuri da! Wasshoi!” and captured viewers’ hearts.
In 1971, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 43rd National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, demonstrating its significant social impact.
Depicting the pursuit of a first love, this song is perfect for those standing at life’s crossroads or reminiscing about someone dear.
Please take a moment to listen to its heartfelt lyrics.
Lily of the Valley — Kimi-kagesōkawanaka miyuki
Released in 1999, this song—one of Miyuki Kawanaka’s signature tracks—sold 600,000 copies, won the Gold Award at the Japan Record Awards, and was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Titled “Kimikagesou ~Suzuran~” (“May Lily of the Valley”), it’s a popular number that many people likely sing at karaoke.
While it has the classic, unpretentious pathos of mainstream enka, the vocal range is fairly wide.
The soaring high notes in the chorus are impressive, but the low notes in the A section can be quite challenging.
Adjust the key to suit your voice and aim for a performance with clear dynamic contrast.