RAG MusicKARAOKE
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 that start with “Ta” from popular J-POP! (151–160)

Darling Game Over LoveMaiki P

Darling Game Over Love feat. Hatsune Miku [Vocaloid Original Song] by Maiki-P
Darling Game Over LoveMaiki P

This is a track that drew attention when Maiki-P himself commented, “It’s insanely hard to sing—challengers wanted!” It condenses the sense of ruin felt by a girl who throws herself into the games of love even while believing she can’t be happy, all within a brief two minutes and thirty seconds.

The worldbuilding and the thrilling sound arrangement are a perfect match.

Please enjoy this bitter, dramatic love story to the fullest.

Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando

Sadistic Mika Band | A Time Machine, Please!
Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando

It’s the legendary band formed by Kazuhiko Kato—central figure of The Folk Crusaders—together with virtuoso musicians like Masayoshi Takanaka and Yukihiro Takahashi.

Their sound, embracing everything from glam rock to funk and fusion, could truly be called cutting-edge.

They debuted with Cycling Boogie in May 1973, and their highly acclaimed album Kurofune ranked 9th in the “100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums.” They’re also known for Boys & Girls from their reunion featuring Karen Kirishima on vocals, and for their collaboration with Kaela Kimura on a song used in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the authentic sound that laid the foundation of Japanese rock.

Probably Maybe Meiji feat. Ah, Tagirentarōrekishi

Lekishi – “Probably Maybe Meiji feat. Ah, Tagiren Tarō” Music Video
Probably Maybe Meiji feat. Ah, Tagirentarōrekishi

Rekishi is a music project that delivers top-tier funk with Japanese history as its theme.

It’s the solo moniker of Takafumi Ikeda, also known as the former keyboardist of SUPER BUTTER DOG, and his groovy musicianship is second to none.

The project began in 2007 with the album “Rekishi,” and the tracks—featuring star guests like Ringo Sheena and Daichi Miura performing under playful “Rekishi names”—are brimming with a sense of fun.

Ikeda’s entertainer spirit is astounding, too: for the first pressing, he hand-drew the cover art for 10,000 CDs.

Even if history isn’t your strong suit, once you experience Rekishi’s music, those tricky figures and events will start to feel endearing.

It’s a project that will make you want to dive into the world of history.

Tanabata DanceShimakura Chiyoko

Tanabata Dance / Chiyoko Shimakura / With Lyrics
Tanabata DanceShimakura Chiyoko

This is a classic song that continues to be cherished locally as a quintessential summer tradition coloring Sendai’s Tanabata Festival.

Released in July 1962 as a single by Chiyoko Shimakura, the piece features folk-like melodic turns and a light, lively rhythm that instantly puts you in a festive mood just by listening.

The lyrics depict scenes of Sendai, such as Aoba Castle and the Hirose River, conjuring images of people in yukata joyfully dancing.

Widely beloved as a Bon-odori song for the Sendai Tanabata Festival, it is also famous for its distinctive fan dance.

Listening to it with people connected to Tohoku might spark lively conversations filled with memories of bustling festivals from days gone by!

Detective StoryYakushimaru Hiroko

The classic film “Detective Story,” starring Hiroko Yakushimaru.

This piece was released as the movie’s theme song.

When it comes to Hiroko Yakushimaru’s vocals, her enveloping, gentle voice is distinctive, and this song showcases exactly that.

Overall, the vocal line has little fluctuation, and the range is kept relatively narrow.

It may feel slightly high, but you can handle that with key adjustment, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

TAXIMami Suzuki

Seimi Suzuki is a female singer who captivated many listeners with her soulful vocals.

Her song “TAXI” is widely regarded as a masterpiece among her works.

While the melody hints at elements of Black music, it doesn’t employ techniques like melisma—the pop equivalent of the Japanese enka ‘kobushi’—so it’s relatively easy to sing.

However, the song does call for vocal richness, including strong overtones, so you should be mindful of that.

If you want to add more thickness to your tone, try singing with your lower jaw slightly pushed forward.

Introducing songs that start with “Ta” from popular J-POP! (161–170)

The Sun and the Desert RoseTOKIO

TOKIO [Rose of the Sun and Desert] Full
The Sun and the Desert RoseTOKIO

A rock number packed with TOKIO’s fiery spirit, which was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “The Magnificent Spy” starring Tomoya Nagase.

The song sings about the importance of staying true to your convictions no matter the adversity, like a flower blooming in the desert.

Its surging passion comes through directly via the powerful band sound and moving vocals.

Released in August 2009 as their 40th single, it was also performed at NHK’s Red and White Year-End Song Festival that same year.

When you’re facing a challenge and feel close to breaking, listening to this track will surely give you a push forward.