Songs with titles starting with 'O' [Great for karaoke and shiritori!]
Songs with titles starting with “O” often feature unique names—like those using characters meaning “dance” or “gold,” as well as Osaka-themed songs.
They also tend to be great for getting everyone fired up when singing! I can’t think of many off the top of my head, so I want to look some up…
This is a list that might come in handy at such times: songs with titles that start with “O.” Use it when you’re wondering, “What songs start with ‘O’?” and also as a prompt for shiritori or when choosing tracks at karaoke.
- Vocaloid songs that start with 'O'
- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
- Songs with titles that start with “wo.” Useful as hints for karaoke and shiritori!
- 2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics
- A roundup of songs with titles starting with 'Da' (Dai-〇〇, Diamond, etc.)
- Songs with titles that start with 'Ke'
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Irresistible Tracks [2026]
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with 'wo' (を)
- Songs by Yoshimi Tendo, the songstress born in Osaka, that are easy to sing
- Songs with titles starting with “No” (Perfect for karaoke and shiritori!)
- Songs with titles that start with a number. Useful for karaoke or playlist selection.
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- Songs with titles that start with 'de'. Perfect as hints for karaoke or shiritori!
Songs with Titles Starting with “O” [Great for Karaoke & Shiritori!] (441–450)
A Woman’s HarborŌtsuki Miyako
Miyako Otsuki, who has cherished a passion for singing since her childhood in her hometown of Yao, Osaka Prefecture, made her debut in 1964.
She achieved a major hit with “Onna no Minato” in 1983, and in 1986 fulfilled her long-held dream of appearing for the first time on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
She went on to perform there ten times by 1996, and her talent has been widely recognized, including winning the Japan Record Award in 1992 for “Shiroi Kaikyō.” While Otsuki is known for her trademark performances in traditional kimono, she has recently taken on the challenge of singing in Western-style attire, continually pursuing new endeavors.
A man should just cry in silence.Miyashita Kenji
A passionate new work marking the re-debut of veteran enka composer Kenji Miyashita as a singer.
This gem portrays the melancholy of men living through the Showa era, powerfully expressing deep-seated emotions and struggles.
While honoring the traditional enka style, it features modern arrangements for a heartwarming finish.
Released in February 2025, it captivated audiences at the KOBE Ryūkōka Live in Kobe with a fervent performance reminiscent of his days as a traveling street singer.
The coupling track includes “Jinsei Mayoizaka” (Life at the Crossroads).
Sincerely singing of life’s doubts and inner conflicts, this piece is recommended to enka fans as a song that gently soothes hearts weary from everyday life.
Songs With Titles Starting With 'O' [Great for Karaoke & Shiritori!] (451–460)
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi, a nationally beloved enka singer from Niigata Prefecture, has been a leading figure in Japan’s music scene ever since her debut in 1964 as a child prodigy.
She shot to stardom with the 1979 smash hit “Omoide-zake,” which also earned her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
She went on to achieve the remarkable feat of 21 consecutive appearances.
Known for her lavish, spectacular costumes and nicknamed the “Last Boss,” her stage performances are a must-see.
In 2011, she married the president of a regenerative medicine company, and in recent years she has also been active as a virtual YouTuber.
Deeply connected to her hometown, she serves as a Niigata City Tourism Ambassador and continues to transcend the boundaries of the enka world.
Women’s TavernKobayashi Sachiko
From the very title “Onna no Sakaba,” you can almost smell its essence: a 120% pure, classic enka anthem.
When it was released, many listeners were likely thinking, “This is the Sachiko Kobayashi we’ve been waiting for.” It’s a single from 2011, and since she had been releasing more kayōkyoku-flavored songs around that time—like “Manyō Koika Aa, Kimi Matsuto” and “Shiroi Yuge no Uta”—this track lets you fully savor Kobayashi singing straight-down-the-middle, traditional enka.
It’s quintessential enka from start to finish, so those accustomed to singing the genre should handle it with ease.
For enka beginners, its simple structure makes it a great song to practice and get a feel for the style.
A man’s single-minded resolveYamazaki Teiji
It’s a weighty song that sings of heartfelt conviction.
Performed by Teiji Yamazaki, it was released in January 2025.
His vocals, blending strength with melancholy, leave a strong impression.
The lyrics beautifully teach the importance of “sticking to your own path.” It’s perfect for those standing at a crossroads in life or wanting to reexamine how they live.
As an encouraging anthem that gives you courage, it’s sure to resonate with many hearts.
My love to youYamakawa Yutaka
Yamakawa Yutaka, the younger brother of Ichiro Toba and, like his brother, a hugely popular and venerable enka singer.
Although he suspended his activities in 2024 after an illness was discovered, he released a duet with Toba in December of the same year, “Oretachi no Komoriuta” (Our Lullaby).
His performance, which conveyed both his recovery and his determination to return, surely reassured many fans.
Among Yamakawa’s songs, the one I’d especially like you to try is “Omae ni Ai wo.” Included as a new track on his 35th Anniversary Best Album released in 2016, it’s a hidden gem packed with Yamakawa’s appeal—sung with a supple yet powerful delivery over a 6/8 rhythm.
At first listen it may not seem particularly difficult, but when you actually try to sing it, the range is surprisingly wide, and many people will likely stumble over singing smoothly within that aforementioned rhythm.
The melody, which builds from a rich, low register and gradually soars toward the climax, requires careful breath control while employing the basic techniques of enka.
Omokage Main LineYamakawa Yutaka
Yutaka Yamakawa, who delivers emotionally charged performances and excels at both masculine and feminine songs, is renowned for many works—but among them, Omokage Honsen stands out as a track that exudes distinctly masculine allure.
While it firmly retains elements of enka, the overall piece leans strongly into mood kayō (mood pop), especially emphasized in the A and B sections.
As a result, there are fewer instances of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) and no complex pitch movements, making it perfect for beginners to enka.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire.
