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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! (421–430)

Important personUemura Kana

Kana Uemura, the singer-songwriter who drew attention with “Toire no Kamisama” (The God of the Toilet), debuted with the single “Taisetsu na Hito” in 2005.

The lyrics were written by Natsumi Watanabe, who has penned songs for many artists including BoA and Hiroko Moriguchi, and the composition was by Seiji Kameda, the bassist of Tokyo Jihen, who also produces and writes for numerous artists.

It’s a track that showcases a fresh and slightly cool side of Kana Uemura, different in style from “Toire no Kamisama.”

To that once-in-a-lifetime summerShiino Mirin

To That Once-in-a-Lifetime Summer – KAF & Hatsune Miku
To that once-in-a-lifetime summerShiino Mirin

If you want to soak in a nostalgic mood, definitely give this a listen! Created by the Vocaloid producer Mirin Shiino—who made a name with the hit “Well Then, I Wish Your Ideology Would Die”—this piece was released in 2021.

It’s a Vocaloid track that stirs up a longing for the summer you spent with that special “you.” The understated vocals and melody, paired with a soundscape that carries a touch of the fantastical, tug at your emotions.

The poetic lyrics have a literary, almost pure-literature allure, and that alone is moving.

It even makes you trace back your own memories, wondering what the summers of your childhood were like.

Tango Namida StationShiina Sachiko

This is an enka song by Sachiko Shiina that sings of the pain of heartbreak against the snowy backdrop of the Tango Peninsula.

While depicting a heartrending farewell, the lyrics unfold with a strong sense of storytelling, and the melody is notable for requiring a wide vocal range.

Released in January 2020, the song drew attention as the third installment in Shiina’s Sea of Japan series.

If you try it at karaoke, you’ll need a rich, sultry tone and deeply expressive delivery, so even those familiar with enka may need practice.

It’s a perfect piece for those with plenty of romantic experience or hidden feelings in their hearts.

Introducing songs starting with “ta” from popular J-POP! (431–440)

One-on-One FantasyKishidan

This song conveys the tense atmosphere of a one-on-one showdown.

It was included on Kishidan’s original album “THE YANK ROCK HEROES,” their first in about seven years, released in January 2023.

The track was chosen as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Metropolitan Police Department Deliberation Division.” With provocative lyrics, it’s a mid-tempo dance-rock number brimming with rebellious spirit.

Its straightforward sound is a major draw, making it a great recommendation when you want to feel positive or psych yourself up.

Tamamo-no-MaeSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella “Tamamo-no-Mae”
Tamamo-no-MaeSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella’s songs, which express Japanese history and legend through a unique interpretive lens, are rich with insight, evoking the lives of people from antiquity to the present and the shifts in society over time.

Their latest work is an ambitious piece themed around Tamayorihime, a figure from Heian-period tales, weaving universal themes such as power, beauty, and love into the lyrics.

Released on March 13, 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the Amazon Original drama “My Undead Yokai Girlfriend.” The track’s musicality—melding traditional Japanese music with contemporary sounds—is also compelling.

With a message that resonates across eras, it’s a song we hope many people, regardless of age or gender, will listen to.

Tateyama Mountain RangeMizumori Kaori

“Tateyama Mountain Range” by Kaori Mizumori
Tateyama Mountain RangeMizumori Kaori

Kaori Mizumori’s classic “Tateyama Mountain Range.” Characterized by its bright atmosphere, this piece is set against the Tateyama Range in the northern Hida Mountains.

It’s an orthodox enka song with a slow tempo and a restrained use of kobushi (melodic ornaments).

The few kobushi that do appear don’t span more than three notes, making it very easy to sing even for those who struggle with enka.

While the vocal range is somewhat wide, with proper key adjustment anyone can sing it—so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Twilight BlueKawai Naoko

This song, which poignantly and beautifully portrays an autumn twilight, is known as one of Naoko Kawai’s signature works.

Released on September 1, 1982, it was included as the B-side to the single “Kenka o Yamete.” With lyrics by Machiko Ryu and music by Koji Makaino, the song’s lyrics—where a bittersweet love and autumn scenery blend seamlessly—paired with Kawai’s clear, translucent vocals, resonate deeply with listeners.

While fully showcasing the charm of an idol kayōkyoku number, it also offers a glimpse into a more mature love story.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to sink into a gentle, reflective mood on a long autumn night.