[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] A Compilation of Popular Japanese Songs Starting with “Ra” (441–450)
LovelyOzawa Kenji
This is one of Kenji Ozawa’s signature songs from the album “LIFE,” released in August 1994, depicting the joy of love and the pleasures of everyday life.
Carried by a light, sprightly rhythm and a vibrant melody, it conveys the exhilaration of a protagonist falling in love.
Members of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra also took part in the recording, with the brass adding a lively sense of motion.
After appearing on the album, it was released as a single in November of the same year and has been cherished by many listeners.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to feel the spark of new love and the brilliance of life.
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
A classic by Kazumasa Oda that delicately portrays the subtleties of romance.
Released in February 1991, this song drew major attention as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story.” The lyrics poignantly sing of the moment when a chance encounter changes fate, leaving a deep impression on many hearts.
The instrumental version was effectively used as background music in the drama, heightening the impact of its climactic scenes.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel both the sweetness and the ache of love at the same time.
Wrapped in Oda’s gentle vocals, why not imagine your own beautiful love story?
LOVE CAN GO THE DISTANCEYamashita Tatsuro
Released in 1999, this song crafted by Tatsuro Yamashita powerfully sings of feelings for a loved one.
It beautifully captures the emotions of couples in long-distance relationships, conveying that hearts remain connected even when far apart.
Issued as the lead single from the album “ON THE STREET CORNER 3,” it was also featured in an NTT Communications commercial.
The piece is marked by Yamashita’s signature, exquisite choral work and a strong influence of American pop.
It’s a recommended track for those who cherish their bond with a loved one or are in a long-distance relationship.
Let its heartwarming melody carry you, and feel the strength of love.
LOVE’S ON FIREYamashita Tatsuro
The song “LOVE’S ON FIRE,” chosen as the theme for the TV drama The Outsider (Metropolitan Police Department), is included on their 14th album SOFTLY, the first release in 11 years.
Its ensemble, featuring an ear-catching synth sound, leaves a strong impression.
The melody spans a wide range with dramatic pitch changes, so it’s not easy, but its distinctive and memorable quality makes it great for karaoke.
Overall, it’s a light, upbeat pop tune sung with restraint, making pitch control easier.
LOVELAND,ISLANDYamashita Tatsuro
Included on the sixth studio album FOR YOU, the track LOVELAND, ISLAND was released as a single two decades later after being chosen as the theme song for the 2002 TV drama Long Love Letter: The Drifting Classroom.
Originally created as a commercial jingle for Suntory Beer Jun-Nama, its light and liberating ensemble evokes vivid summer scenes.
While the overall vocal range isn’t wide, the melody is intricate—featuring sudden falsetto passages—so take care when singing.
With its refreshing vibe, it’s an upbeat tune guaranteed to energize any karaoke session.
LIKE, layering up feat. Lila IkutaYamazaki Ikusaburo
The collaborative song by Ikusaburo Yamazaki and Lila Ikuta is a gem of a duet that portrays the complexities of love.
Their sweet vocals leave a strong impression, paired with a distinctive pop sound.
It expresses the boundary between truth and lies, between trust and doubt, symbolically capturing the multi-layered nature of love.
The track was released in March 2024 and is included on Ikusaburo Yamazaki’s album “The Handsome.” With its relaxed tempo, it’s easy to sing and can be enjoyed by couples, families, and more.
Love Rainbowarashi
Let’s try singing Arashi’s song “Love Rainbow,” which was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku,” starring Jun Matsumoto! The tempo is a bit fast, but the melody is easy to remember and the lyrics aren’t too dense, so I think it’s easy to sing.
If it’s tough to sing the call-and-response parts alone, it’s perfectly fine to deliberately sing just one side.
There’s a high note part in the chorus, so men should practice hitting it cleanly in falsetto.
