[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” (421–430)
Lucky Man’s SongYashiro Aki
Aki Yashiro has left behind many classic songs, but among them, an unusually distinctive masterpiece that continues to be talked about is The Lucky Man Song.
This piece was released as the theme song for the popular anime Tottemo! Luckyman.
It’s fundamentally structured as a pop song, so it doesn’t have the difficulty of enka.
However, in the middle of the track there’s a section that pays homage to part of the famous song Funauta, which does require techniques like kobushi (ornamental vocal turns).
That said, the kobushi and vocal lines aren’t particularly difficult, so if you’re accustomed to singing enka or kayōkyoku, you should be able to handle it without any trouble.
RAD DOGSHachiōji P
Popular Vocaloid producer Hachioji-P, who has been active since the early days of the Vocaloid scene, released “RAD DOGS” in 2022.
It’s a cool piece of electronic dance music sung by Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, and Kagamine Len.
The roaring low end combined with futuristic synth sounds creates a powerful groove that really lifts your mood! The arrangement is skillful, featuring majestic strings and even a hip-hop section.
It’s the kind of track you can keep listening to.
It also seems perfect as driving BGM!
LOVE or HATE?Maeshima Mayu
Mayu Maeshima’s gentle vocals breeze into your heart like the wind in this song filled with positive energy.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime “Villainess Level 99,” it was released as a digital single in January 2024.
Set to a catchy, pop sound, it powerfully sings about the strength to live true to yourself without being swayed by others’ opinions.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who worries, “I care too much about what people think and can’t be honest with my own feelings.” With this song by your side, why not take your first step toward being your true self?
[Karaoke] Compilation of Popular Japanese Songs Starting with “Ra” (431–440)
Love SongKagawa Ryo
A gem of a song that captures the journey of life and the struggles of love, carried by a gently soaking, soul-stirring melody.
It’s included on the album “Out of Mind,” released in November 1974.
Ryo Kagawa’s distinctive vocals and the simple yet resonant guitar tones vividly express the protagonist’s hesitation, anxiety, and faint stirrings of love.
The image of wandering from north to south feels like life itself, resonating deeply with listeners.
Perfect for anyone searching for their path or wrestling with love.
Also recommended as a companion for a nighttime walk.
Last Single X’masHarayuko
This is a quintessential 80s ballad that sings of Christmas memories filled with nostalgia and bittersweet longing.
Haru Yuko’s gentle, warm vocals tenderly envelop the lingering feelings for a love that has passed.
Included on the album “Harayuko ga Kataru Hitotoki,” released in April 1981, the song also had its instrumental version used as an insert track in the film “Aiko 16-sai,” beautifully capturing the emotional tone of a coming-of-age movie.
With lyrics penned by Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars, it deftly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they look back on Christmases from their youth.
When the holiday season makes you want to reminisce about memories with a loved one, be sure to give it a listen.
RisingYoshida Kyōdai
This is a track whose moving Tsugaru shamisen tones instantly lift the energy of the venue.
It’s included on the Yoshida Brothers’ album RISING, released in February 2005.
Chosen as the TV commercial song for Asahi Super Dry, it captured the hearts of many.
The traditional timbre of Japanese instruments and modern arrangements fuse beautifully to create a unique sound world.
The shamisen’s intense yet beautiful sound is also popular as BGM for weddings in traditional Japanese attire.
Use it as an entrance song for sports days or athletic meets, and it’s sure to fire up the competitors and captivate the crowd!
Love Toxinwanuka
Wanuka is a singer-songwriter popular among young people.
As the name suggests, their motto is to infuse a Japanese flair into their music, and the somewhat Showa-esque style is striking.
Among Wanuka’s songs, the one I particularly recommend as easy for high schoolers to sing is “Love Toxin.” The A and B sections have a kayokyoku (Japanese pop) feel, while the chorus carries a slightly Chinese-pop-like atmosphere.
Every part has that Showa touch and is easy to sing, so be sure to check it out.