A roundup of songs that start with “ku.” Perfect for shiritori or picking karaoke tracks!
When you’re playing shiritori with song titles or doing shiritori karaoke, there are times when you just can’t think of the next song, right?
この記事では、「く（ku）」で始まる曲をたくさん紹介します。そんな瞬間に思い出せるようにしておきましょう。
There are lots of words that start with “ku,” like “kuro” (black), “kurisumasu” (Christmas), “cry,” and “kuchi” (mouth), and many of them are commonly used in song titles.
I’ve picked out a variety of tracks, so feel free to use this as a reference when choosing your next song!
- Vocaloid songs that start with "ku"
- Songs with titles that start with “Gu.” Great for your karaoke selection!
- A classic song with a title that starts with “Ru”
- A roundup of songs with titles that start with “pu.” Great for shiritori or picking songs!
- Songs with titles starting with “Ko” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- A roundup of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Ke”
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
- A roundup of songs that start with “U.” Perfect for shiritori or picking tracks at karaoke!
- Songs with titles starting with “Ki” [Great for karaoke & shiritori!]
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- [For Women] Easy-to-Sing and Crowd-Pleasing Karaoke Songs
- [Male and Female] A Compilation of Vocaloid Duet Songs [Also Great for Karaoke]
- Karaoke songs where even men with low voices can aim for high scores
A compilation of songs that start with “Ku.” Perfect for shiritori or picking karaoke songs! (421–430)
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
There’s no winter without this song! Tatsuro Yamashita himself has called it “a song that will remain as my signature,” a classic of the season.
It’s used in commercials every year and, alongside Yumi Matsutoya’s “My Lover Is a Santa Claus,” has become a beloved Christmas staple.
The song was originally written for his wife Mariya Takeuchi’s album.
In the end it wasn’t used, and thinking it would be a waste, he decided to release it himself.
I’m sure Mariya Takeuchi’s version would be wonderful too, but Yamashita’s laid-back vocal style suits this song perfectly and makes it so pleasant to listen to.
Scarlet LipsYamauchi Keisuke
Welcoming lyricist Goro Matsui, Keisuke Yamauchi’s 2019 single “Kuchibiru Scarlet” is, as the title suggests, packed with a classic Showa kayōkyoku flavor, and it was performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen—so many listeners will likely think, “Oh, that song,” as soon as they hear it.
If you like kayōkyoku, the melody will feel instantly familiar, and you’ll probably find it easy to sing at karaoke.
From around the B-melody, the lines flow with expansive melodies in succession, so try singing while minding your breathing points to avoid running out of breath.
Kushiro AirportYamauchi Keisuke
When it comes to enka, you can’t ignore the “airport” theme.
Keisuke Yamauchi’s 2013 single Kushiro Airport is the third installment in his “Silver Screen Kayō” series following the masterpiece The Withered Viola of Winter, and its filmic quality shines through in the man’s regret and lingering attachment as he sings of memories of the woman he parted with, steeped in melancholy.
It’s a grand-scale song, so fully conveying its theme is quite challenging; however, the characteristic enka kobushi ornamentation is relatively restrained, and those accustomed to mood kayō (mood pop) may find it surprisingly approachable to sing.
One of Yamauchi’s charms is his rich low-register vibrato—be sure to practice so you can bring that out well!
wrap (as in: wrap up filming)Yamazaki Ikusaburo
It’s a delicate, bittersweet song that begins with the sound of a film reel turning.
Released digitally in July 2024, it was used as the opening theme for the anime “Twilight Out of Focus.” Ikusaburo Yamazaki’s gentle vocals tenderly wrap the bittersweet feelings toward things coming to an end.
The lyrics, which use a film set’s wrap as a metaphor, vividly portray parting and a sense of loss—they really hit home.
It’s recommended for moments when you want to sink into memories, or when you’ve experienced a farewell to someone or something important.
Photographs of SeptemberYamamoto Tatsuhiko
A classic autumn song released by Tatsuhiko Yamamoto in October 1982.
Featured on the album “Taiyo ga Ippai,” this ballad centers on bittersweet memories of love.
The September breeze awakens recollections of summer gone by, delicately portraying scenes of looking back on a lost romance.
Its simple yet resonant melody and the past emotions likened to photographs are particularly striking.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to at an autumn dusk, lost in thought by the window.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the poignancy of love and the passage of time.
Crimson PrideOkada Shinobu
A perfect enka song for the wistful autumn season has arrived.
Released by Shinobu Okada in October 2024, this gem portrays both the lingering attachment and the strength of a woman after a broken romance.
With richly emotional vocals, it sensuously conveys the heart of a mature woman.
Its theme, symbolizing the traditional “woman’s pride,” is sure to resonate with many enka fans.
It’s the kind of song that will ignite passion at karaoke.
Listened to in the calm of the night, it may sink even deeper into the heart.
Lips NetworkOkada Yukiko
A signature song by Yukiko Okada with lyrics by Seiko Matsuda and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, expressing a sweet yet heartrending love.
It captures the feelings of a woman who is both forward and cautious, brought to life by a pure, graceful voice that truly moves the listener.
Used as Shiseido’s spring campaign CM song in January 1986, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Blending maidenly sentiment with a modern sound, it stands as an emblematic piece of the 1980s.
Recommended for those who want to relate to the feeling of being in love or who are interested in Showa-era idol pop.