A roundup of songs that start with “U.” Perfect for shiritori or picking tracks at karaoke!
When you’re playing word-chain games using J-POP song titles, or doing “shiritori karaoke” where the next song is chosen by the last letter of the previous one, some of you might search for something like “songs that start with XX,” right?
So in this article, we’ll introduce a whole bunch of songs that start with “u.”
There are lots of words that begin with “u” that are commonly used in song titles—like umi (sea), wedding, uso (lie), and utsukushii (beautiful).
We’ve picked out a wide range of songs across different eras and by artists of all genders, so use this as a reference for choosing your next track!
Songs that start with “U.” Perfect for shiritori or picking karaoke tracks! (1–10)
marine snowNEW!jero
Jero’s debut single.
Released by Victor Entertainment on February 20, 2008, it’s a 2008 enka smash hit with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki.
Set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, this masterpiece poignantly sings of unreachable love, and it won the Best New Artist award at the 50th Japan Record Awards—quite a memorable song for its time.
Since the track features a guitar-based sound, it may be easier to listen to even for those who aren’t fond of enka.
In the final chorus, there’s a key change and the range rises slightly, so be careful not to belt.
For parts where the ending consonants are cut off, make sure to stop them cleanly rather than letting them trail—this gives it a cool, sharp finish.
WanteD!！WanteD！NEW!Mrs. GREEN APPLE
This is the perfect number for those who want to nail a cool flag dance at a school sports festival with a sense of speed and edgy beats.
Released in August 2017, it’s the fifth single and was chosen as the opening theme for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “We Did It.” Created by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, it showcases Motoki Omori’s compelling worldview that blends youthful impatience and exhilaration.
The song features a danceable sound infused with elements of dance music.
Choreography that swings the flag powerfully and stops it sharply will really shine.
Sync your breathing to the rhythm of this track, and the energy of the entire venue is sure to reach its peak!
Wherever you areNEW!ONE OK ROCK
Wherever you are, a signature ballad by ONE OK ROCK, remains a beloved classic that still enjoys enduring popularity at karaoke and beyond.
It’s a work that fully showcases elements of Western rock ballads, featuring expressions not typically found in standard Japanese pop, which is part of its appeal.
While the song isn’t particularly known as a harmonizing piece, if you listen closely, you’ll hear solid backing vocals in the chorus and the bridge.
Given its emotional nature, adding harmonies can bring out a great deal of beauty in the vocals, so definitely give it a try.
USOTSUKINEW!STARGLOW
Formed through an audition project, STARGLOW is a group drawing attention for its diverse personalities and high expressive power.
The title track of their second single, pre-released in March 2026, has been chosen as the tie-in song for Vaseline’s new web commercial “The Leading Role Is This ‘Shiratama Luminous Skin’” promoting the GlutaHya Body Lotion.
Written and produced by SKY-HI, the song pairs a buoyant, bouncy beat with a bittersweet love story that poignantly portrays regret and lingering feelings over a lost relationship.
Touching on missed connections through screens and other everyday communication struggles, it gently resonates with listeners’ hearts.
It’s a perfect pop tune for revisiting bittersweet memories while feeling the fresh air of spring.
A song about being cheated on but still in love.NEW!riria.
Singer-songwriter Riria., who captivates many young people with her clear, translucent voice by posting self-accompanied performances on TikTok and YouTube.
Her first original song, “I Got Cheated On, But I Still Love Him,” was released digitally in May 2020.
As the title suggests, it candidly expresses, in plain and straightforward words, the complex feelings of a woman who, though hurt by infidelity, can’t quite let go.
With realistic depictions of modern romance—like suggestive “hint-dropping” and agonizing in front of a smartphone—many listeners will inevitably find themselves reflecting on their own experiences.
Blending the warm tones of the guitar with emotive vocals to perfection, this track is one you’ll want to play on nights weighed down by heartbreak or when you’re searching for a song you can truly relate to.
I love youNEW!Suiyōbi no Campanella
The up-tempo, energetic rhythm will have your body moving before you know it! This piece by Wednesday Campanella is included on the album “Kawaii Joshi,” released in September 2025.
It was selected as the opening theme for Season 2 of the anime “Ranma 1/2,” which began airing in October of the same year.
Its Chinese-inspired sound and vocals that shift expression with each section blend beautifully, creating an overwhelming sense of exhilaration.
Use this track to fire up the entire venue.
That’s a lie.NEW!Suzuki Airi
Airi Suzuki is a singer who is active across the J-pop scene and also highly popular as a model and actress.
“Uso dayo,” released in April 2026, is a ballad written and composed by Yohei Hashiguchi of wacci.
Based on Suzuki’s notes and nurtured over roughly three years, the piece explores lyrics themed around the honest feelings that spill out each time a lie is spoken, evoking a tender warmth amid the melancholy.
With a delicate band ensemble by the members of wacci and a richly layered string arrangement, it’s a heartfelt number that resonates deeply.