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)
LiarNEW!manaka
A song by singer-songwriter Manaka that portrays the tug-of-war between an unbreakable attachment and the knowledge that you have to let go.
It’s a heartbreak song that powerfully conveys the anguish just before accepting a breakup.
The emotions pierce your heart—not only blaming the other person, but also confronting your own weakness in trying to gloss things over.
Released as a single in May 2025, the track’s lyrics and composition were both done by Manaka herself.
Its ’80s-style rock sound, tinged with nostalgia, and its familiar, catchy melody further heighten the emotion.
For those who want to end a relationship where you hurt each other yet still can’t help thinking of the other person, this song stands beside you in a painful reality and lets you shed the tears you need to move forward.
ULTRANEW!Hiromitsu Kitayama
After years of success in an idol group, Hiromitsu Kitayama is now continuing to broaden his range of expression as a solo artist.
His much-talked-about new song, for which he wrote the lyrics himself, is a warm, high-temperature love song that straightforwardly affirms the presence of someone precious.
Rather than piling on flashy declarations of love, its gentle melody sings of the quiet beauty of everyday life, softly warming the listener’s heart.
Released in April 2026, this work is his fourth single overall and the first from his new label; precisely because it has no explicit tie-in, its true-to-life message stands out.
It’s a heartfelt pop tune that nestles close during peaceful moments spent with someone you cherish.
Songstress of LiesNEW!Haraguchi Sasuke
Sasuke Haraguchi’s Usotsu no Utahime is set to be released in April 2026.
It was created under a hypothetical premise: “What if I had started out as a Vocaloid producer in 2010?” The piece reconstructs the atmosphere of the early days of internet music with a contemporary production style.
Many listeners may feel a sense of nostalgia when they hear UTAU Teto’s timbre and the song’s style.
Take a moment to reflect on the history of Vocaloid culture and on the way that something false can gradually become true.
A Love Song I Couldn’t SingNEW!Oda Yūji
Yuji Oda, who has had a brilliant career as an actor and has also scored numerous hits as a singer.
The song introduced here is a single released in February 1991, chosen as the CM song for Suzuki’s “Cervo Mode.” Also included on albums such as “ON THE ROAD,” this dramatic rock number portrays the end of youth and feelings that couldn’t be put into words.
His unadorned, straightforward vocals perfectly capture the awkward emotions of young people and strike a chord.
It was a major hit, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart and selling about 570,000 copies.
Looking back on old memories and belting it out at karaoke with close friends is sure to get everyone fired up!
We on FireNEW!&TEAM
As a Japan-born global group, &TEAM is engaging in activities that connect a diverse world.
The lead track from their EP “We on Fire,” released in April 2026, is a song that conveys the group’s intensity and momentum.
Tied to HYBE’s original story “DARK MOON,” its concept and narrative-driven visual expression have also drawn attention.
Characterized by a dynamic sound and a cohesive performance, it’s perfect for moments when you want to take a new step forward or lift your spirits.
Be sure to check out this exhilarating pop tune with a brisk, driving beat.
Shut up.NEW!GINTA & WAKI
Haven’t you ever felt the urge to push back against unfair judgments and overbearing opinions you face in everyday life? The songs by GINTA & WAKI blow away that irritation with exhilarating force.
They channel a strong backlash against uniquely online anonymous criticism and the schadenfreude of reveling in others’ failures, expressing fed-up emotions straight on top of a pop-punk, high-speed sound.
Released in April 2025, this work hammers home a powerful message in a short span, making it perfect for venting the frustrations of people living in the age of social media.
When you’re worn out by the surrounding noise and want a clean, cathartic reset, give it a listen.
LiarNEW!Abe Mao
This is a heartbreak ballad that vividly, unpretentiously portrays the aching feeling of still having the scent and habits of someone who’s left lingering on your body.
In this song, Mao Abe’s true-to-life emotional expression pierces the heart, beautifully singing of the complex state where anger and lingering attachment coexist.
Released in October 2014 as the coupling track to “Sorezore Arukidasou,” it remains enduringly popular.
Later included on the album “Oppajime!,” this work has been beloved by fans for many years.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who can’t let go of the person they loved, unable to forget, and find themselves standing still.