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Lovely karaoke song

Introducing popular J-pop songs that start with “Ta”!

Have you heard of shiritori karaoke, where you connect songs by using the last letter of the previous song’s title? Surprisingly, it can get pretty exciting—sometimes you can’t think of any songs, or there aren’t as many singable ones as you expect.

So this time, I’ll introduce a bunch of Japanese songs that start with “ta.” I’ve picked popular J-POP tracks so you can use them both for karaoke and for playing shiritori using only song titles.

Please use this as a reference, and if there’s a song you’d like to try singing, go for it!

Introducing songs starting with 'Ta' from popular J-POP! (121–130)

casual speechpirafu seijin

Rapper Pilaf Seijin, who made big waves in the MC battle scene, is known for his comical style, but in this release from August 2025 he makes a sharp turn to sing about a heartrending breakup.

It’s striking how he portrays the emotional distance from a lover whose language—once a symbol of intimacy—has shifted into polite speech, rendering vivid, realistic scenes.

Even as he knows there’s no going back, his lingering feelings for the other person grip your heart.

If you’ve recently gone through a breakup, you’ll surely relate.

time after timeEarth

This is the debut single by EARTH, a talented dance and vocal group that debuted in 2000.

Trained in New York before their debut, the members deliver an exceptional vocal ability and beautiful harmonies that are hard to believe come from teenagers.

Released in February 2000, the song was used as an insert track for the drama “Virtual Girl.” Winning the New Artist Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards with their debut work further attests to their high level of talent.

It’s a moving number featuring slightly grown-up vocals layered over a melody with an R&B flavor.

precious; important; valuableSMAP

SMAP / Taisetsu (cover) by Shun Ohno
precious; important; valuableSMAP

It’s a mid-tempo ballad whose straightforward message—that the presence of the person beside you makes you stronger—hits you right in the heart.

Sung powerfully by SMAP, the song gently teaches us that true happiness is hidden in the small moments of everyday life, set against scenes of dusk.

Released in May 1998, it became a memorable track for many as the theme song of the Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Brothers,” starring Masahiro Nakai.

Put it on as BGM during a drive with someone special, and you just might find yourself able to express the gratitude that you’re usually too shy to say out loud.

Solar RouteMaeda Jun, Yanaginagi

This is a collaborative work by Jun Maeda, who weaves moving stories, and Nagi Yanagi, whose voice is clear as the sky.

It was produced as an insert song to grace the 3.5-year anniversary event of the dramatic RPG “Heaven Burns Red.” The song carries deep affection and a straightforward wish to live alongside someone precious, sung over a soundscape as boundless as a blue sky.

When you want to overcome hardships, this music will lend you strength.

Introducing songs that start with “Ta” from popular J-POP! (131–140)

Titus GroanVelle Witch

This track sonically captures the decadent worldview portrayed in British Gothic novels.

Included on the self-produced demo tape “Blood Noblewoman,” released in November 1988, it spans over nine minutes and is suffused with a creeping sense of unease.

Over a rhythm carved by a weighty bass and powerful drums, Yukie Furutani’s vocals—marked by a distinctive vibrato—resound, further enhancing its mysterious allure.

The sound, imbued with a ritualistic solemnity, draws listeners deep into the heart of the story.

TATSUYATanaka Aimi

Aimi Tanaka 'TATSUYA' [57th Japan Lyricist Awards]
TATSUYATanaka Aimi

Aimi Tanaka is an enka singer known as the beloved disciple of Takashi Hosokawa.

She possesses a remarkably deep voice for someone in her early twenties, and on top of that, her expressive power is extraordinary.

She is undoubtedly expected to play a leading role in the future enka scene, yet she has also released many songs that are easy to sing.

Among them, the one you can especially expect to get the crowd going is “TATSUYA.” While the lyrics are sad, depicting a widow, the melody is powerful and still brings out a feminine quality, so you can expect it to be quite exciting.

It leans more toward kayōkyoku in style, and the absence of difficult pitch movements—such as the dramatic ups and downs often associated with kobushi—makes it notably easy to sing.

BirthNakajima Miyuki

This is a song by Miyuki Nakajima that gently encourages those who have decided to restart their lives and step into a future with a new partner.

Even if you have the strength to live on your own, it carries a warm message that life becomes richer when you walk together with someone.

The song was released in March 1992 as the theme for the film “Kiseki no Yama: Sayonara, Meiken Heiji,” and is also included on the album “EAST ASIA.” Its sweeping melody tenderly seeps into hearts hesitant to take a step forward due to past experiences, as if blessing a new love.

Doesn’t it feel like a future where you can affirm each other’s very existence is unfolding right before your eyes?