![[Karaoke] A roundup of popular Japanese songs that start with the letter “Ra”](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/QxHboX_9B5E/maxresdefault.webp)
[Karaoke] A roundup of popular Japanese songs that start with the letter “Ra”
Is everyone having fun at karaoke?
Whether you’re going wild with friends or practicing seriously on your own, there are lots of ways to enjoy it.
That said, choosing songs can be a recurring dilemma at karaoke.
You might find time slipping away while you’re thinking, “What should I sing next…?”
So in this article, we’ve put together a list of popular Japanese songs whose titles start with the syllable “ra” (ら)!
We’ve picked a wide range—from timeless classics to recent hits.
Use this as one way to find your next song to sing!
[Karaoke] Compilation of Popular Japanese Songs Starting with “Ra” (1–10)
Life is BeautifulNEW!ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A work imbued with a powerful message: even while facing harsh realities, believe in the brilliance of life and keep moving forward.
This is ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s 31st single, released in February 2025.
It was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime FARMAGIA.
With its sense of speed and accessible melody, it’s great fun to perform as a band.
A rock tune perfect for cultural and school festival live shows, it gives a strong push to young people living through tough times.
-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism
![-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/keOnleW2eak/sddefault.jpg)
A powerful message song that questions what it means to be yourself, depicting the will to move forward despite doubts and inner conflict.
With its exhilarating, fast-paced band sound, this track was released in August 2025 and gained attention as the theme song for the feature-length anime “Hyakue-mu,” which premiered in September of the same year.
Created by Satoshi Fujihara of Official HIGE DANDism as he confronted his own identity, the piece gives listeners a strong push forward.
Extremely high-tempo and bursting with a sense of racing from start to finish, it’s perfect as BGM for school sports day sprints and relays—sure to amp up any fast-paced event.
Lion HeartNEW!SMAP
This song is one of SMAP’s signature tracks.
Released in August 2000 as their 32nd single, it became widely beloved as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Food Fight,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi.
The lyrics by Shinji Nojima gently express the feeling of being saved by someone in everyday life, portraying symbols of the courage and devotion needed to protect what matters.
The warm choral work, which makes the most of each member’s unique voice, resonates comfortably, as if gently loosening a taut heart.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to in those moments when you feel suffocated by the daily rush of work or house chores—a superb ballad that sings of universal love.
I only know the last note.NEW!＝LOVE
=LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.
Their songs come in a variety of colors and continue to captivate fans.
The 15th single, “I Only Know the Last Note,” released in November 2023, drew major attention as the youngest member, Kiara Saito, served as the center for a title track for the first time.
The lyrics, which liken the evolving scent of perfume to a romance and portray the aching feeling of being drawn to someone even while sensing traces of another person around them, tighten the listener’s chest.
Paired with a slightly mature, mid-tempo sound, it’s a gem that lets you immerse yourself in a dramatic world.
It’s a song we highly recommend for nights when you want comfort for a bittersweet love, or for moments when you want to savor something deeply.
Assaulted by a love songNEW!＝LOVE
=LOVE, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.
Their single released in October 2025, “Attacked by a Love Song,” is a cute, classic idol track that sets the impulse to make someone notice your feelings to a catchy melody.
In this release, Maika Sasaki takes center position, and the sound charmingly blends brightness with a touch of bittersweetness.
The music video features oversized musical notes and hearts, visually expressing an emotional ambush.
The choreography incorporates catchy elements like the “gao pose,” making for outstanding unity at live shows.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to savor the exhilaration of being in love or needs a push to confess their feelings.
Give it a listen!
RunNEW!timelesz
A number released by timelesz during their Sexy Zone era, whose driving rock sound and emotional message resonate deeply.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Miman Keisatsu: Midnight Runner,” starring Kento Nakajima and Sho Hirano in dual lead roles, and was released as a single in August 2020.
The song portrays a determination to keep moving forward by trusting in the bonds with teammates even in extreme situations, offering heartfelt support to many people living through uncertain days.
Its chorus delivers a surge of exhilaration that feels like the horizon suddenly opening up, making it a perfect, fiery cheer for those giving their all in fast-paced events like sprints and relays at school sports days.
It’s an inspiring rock tune that colors a page of youth in vivid hues, giving listeners the courage to dash on without giving up until the very end.
Love yourself!NEW!Kosaka Nao, Takase Mana, Ota Mitsuki, Kuramori Hinano
Hinatazaka46 is a group that keeps turning even celebrities into devoted “Ohisama” fans.
Formerly known as Keyakizaka46 (Hiragana Keyaki), they radiate a bright, happy aura as J-pop idols.
Members from Osaka Prefecture include 2nd-gen Nao Kosaka, 1st-gen Mana Takase, and 5th-gen Mizuki Ota and Hinano Kuramori.
Their debut single “Kyun,” released in March 2019, was a major hit, and in December of the same year they won the Japan Record Award for Excellent Work with “Doremisolasido.” Nao Kosaka appeared in the film “Hinomaru Soul: The Heroes Behind the Scenes,” while Mana Takase, known for her gentle personality and support of the group, announced her graduation in January 2025.
Perfect for anyone who wants to be wrapped in a refreshing charm!