[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!
- Compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles starting with 'Ra'
- A classic song with a title that starts with “Ru”
- A roundup of songs with titles starting with “Re.” Great for karaoke shiritori too!
- Songs with titles that start with “Ri”
- Karaoke songs everyone can sing: Japanese tracks that are easy to enjoy with a group.
- Songs with titles starting with “Ko” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]
- Vocaloid songs that start with 'Ru'
- Songs with titles starting with “To.” A selection from popular tracks across generations!
- [Karaoke] A collection of Japanese songs that start with “Mu”
- A roundup of songs whose titles start with the tricky letter “ro.” Perfect for shiritori and karaoke.
- From Old-School Hits to Trends: A Collection of Vocaloid Songs Recommended for People in Their 20s
- Compilation of Vocaloid songs that start with 'Ri'
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs whose titles start with ‘Re’
[Karaoke] Compilation of Popular Japanese Songs Starting with “Ra” (361–370)
Lights Off (feat. Natori)TAKU INOUE
Music producer TAKU INOUE, known for his sophisticated musicality and collaborations with many artists.
“Lights Off (feat.
Natori)” is a collaboration with singer-songwriter Natori that makes the most of Natori’s youthful yet low, sweet vocal tone.
While the song features some high phrases with touches of falsetto, it generally sits in a lower register overall, which highlights the appeal of women with lower voices.
The vocal line is also gently contoured with little dramatic rise and fall, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Love letterTHE BLUE HEARTS
This is a song that expresses a bittersweet feeling with letters as its theme.
Released in February 1989 as THE BLUE HEARTS’ fourth single, it’s one of the tracks included on the album TRAIN-TRAIN.
Written and composed by Hiroto Kōmoto, this ballad is characterized by its effective use of falsetto chorus and strings.
In 2004, it was featured in a KDDI (au) commercial, and in 2006 it was used as an insert song in the film Love Letter: Aoi Renga.
Singing of lingering feelings for an unfulfilled love and a pure wish for the other person’s happiness, this song is recommended for those who want to entrust their feelings for someone special to a letter.
Light Up The NightTHE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE
A dance track themed around the lights that keep illuminating the city at night has arrived from THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE.
Released digitally in July 2024, this song is an uptempo piece with strong club-music elements.
It carries messages about “dancing beyond your limits” and “freeing yourself to become truly free,” featuring energetic lyrics and a powerful sound.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to shake off stress and burdens and let your emotions flow freely.
This track delivers the exhilarating feeling of darting through the nighttime streets and is a great pick for party scenes.
ParadiseTHE YELLOW MONKEY
A quintessential work by THE YELLOW MONKEY, a band that has led Japan’s rock scene, is their sixth album “SICKS,” released in January 1997.
Topping the Oricon charts, the album features a diverse array of tracks that blend elements of hard rock and glam rock.
With Kazuya Yoshii’s distinctive vocals, highly message-driven lyrics, and the band’s exceptional musicianship in perfect harmony, this is a must-listen not only for rock fans.
Including standout tracks like “Rakuen,” it’s packed with compelling songs, making it especially recommended for anyone looking to rediscover The Yellow Monkey’s music.
Love ReturnsTOKOTOKO
If you’re in the throes of a one-sided crush, this might give you the courage to confess! “Love Returns,” a guitar-driven rock number by TOKOTOKO (aka Nishizawasan-P) that tickles the heart, was released in 2013 and included on the album Pocket-size Documentary.
First off, the guitar cutting just feels so good! The harmony between the drums, bass, and vocals is fantastic, and the sound quality alone will have you smiling before you know it.
On top of that, the lyrics—overflowing with feelings for the one you love—hit the mark perfectly.
It’s a love song that’ll put a smile on your face!
LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday
The Birthday is a four-piece rock band formed in 2005 around Yusuke Chiba, known as the frontman of THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT.
Their song LOVE ROCKETS, included on the EP Tsukiyo no Zankyo ep, was chosen as the opening theme for the animated film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.
The guitar solo carries a classic rock vibe, providing a striking contrast to the gritty vocals—one of the track’s key highlights.
Its very simplicity delivers a lean, powerful rock sound that ramps up the energy—a cool rock tune through and through.
[Karaoke] Compilation of Popular Japanese Songs Starting with “Ra” (371–380)
Even love songs have their eras.This is LAST
Hailed as “a song that symbolizes modern views on love,” this track by This is LAST portrays the shifts in a romantic relationship and its eventual breakup.
It focuses in particular on how technology—such as modern matching apps—affects connections, with the metaphor of an “app you can’t erase even if you delete it” leaving a strong impression.
It delicately depicts the gradual deterioration of a relationship through changing emotional distance and a lack of communication.
You can feel the complex emotions of sensing a breakup yet being unable to accept it.
The pure plea of “Stay by my side” highlights the painful depth of love.
Included on their second album HOME, released in April 2023, it’s a love song emblematic of the Reiwa era, one we’d like to send to everyone struggling with love.