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!
- Vocaloid songs that start with 'U'
- Masterpieces with titles that start with 'A'
- [Easy to Sing] A Compilation of Recommended Vocaloid Songs for Karaoke
- A compilation of Vocaloid songs with titles that start with “Yu”
- Collection of Vocaloid songs with titles starting with 'dzu' (づ)
- A roundup of songs that start with “ku.” Perfect for shiritori or picking karaoke tracks!
- Songs with titles that start with 'yu'
- Songs whose titles start with 'I'. Masterpieces that begin with 'I'.
- A roundup of songs with titles that start with “bu.” Handy for shiritori or playlist-making.
- Discover new songs! A collection of tracks whose titles start with “Wa”
- [I want to sing out loud] Songs that feel great to belt and are fun for karaoke
- A roundup of songs with titles starting with “zu” (rare!)
- A roundup of songs with titles that start with “pu.” Great for shiritori or picking songs!
A roundup of songs starting with “U.” Perfect for word-chain games or karaoke picks! (431–440)
Only a rainbow on my armKobayashi Akira
While Akira Kobayashi is known for works full of melancholy or powerful, upbeat numbers, he also has songs rich in mood.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Ude ni Niji Dake (Only a Rainbow on My Arm).
Although it’s not a love-themed song, its melodic structure is extremely sultry, and at the end of the chorus you get his signature high, sustained note.
Because it’s an Akira Kobayashi piece, the vocal range is inevitably on the wider side, but there aren’t fine pitch inflections like kobushi, so it’s still a quite singable song.
Sea Roar TrainKozakura Maiko
Maiko Kozakura’s single “Uminari Ressha” (Sea-Roaring Train), released on December 13, 2023, portrays a heartrending departure in search of lost love, set against the emotionally rich scenery of the Uetsu Main Line that connects Niigata Prefecture to Akita Prefecture.
In this song, Maiko Kozakura showcases remarkable expressive power, conveying both a clumsy determination to reclaim love despite tears and an unyielding strength that refuses to give up.
Particularly striking are the word choices that evoke both a lonely state of mind and the image of a train running along the coastline—sure to stir listeners’ hearts.
Even for those new to enka, the familiar, approachable melody and Kozakura’s clear vocals make it easy to listen to.
It’s a perfect track for a slightly sentimental long winter night.
My dad, my mom, and me.Yamada Noboru
Noboru Yamada’s song is a lovely piece that lets you feel the warmth of family.
You can really sense the fun of the days spent by a father, mother, and their child.
Included on the album “Ponkikkies Melody,” the song was released in May 1995 and was apparently also used on Fuji TV’s popular program “Ponkikkies.” I think it’s a perfect track for parents and children to listen to together to strengthen family bonds.
Listening to it might even make you feel nostalgic.
Christmas on Rabbit MeadowYamano Satoko
A heartwarming Christmas song that paints a snow-white, pure world.
It depicts little rabbits making wishes to Santa Claus, set to a gentle melody.
Blending a fantastical atmosphere with children’s pure wishes, this piece captures the special feeling of Christmas.
Beloved at nursery and kindergarten Christmas events, it’s often performed with choreography.
A perfect song for Christmas parties that you can sing and enjoy together with your children.
Space and NaganoOkazaki Taiiku
It’s a unique song that blames space and Nagano for childhood baseball memories and a school ski trip episode.
It’s included on the EP “Suplex,” released in March 2024.
Though it’s a gentle, guitar-and-vocals piece, the lyrics keep shifting the blame in a comical way.
Perform it as a skit at a year-end or New Year’s party, and the room is sure to be filled with laughter.
If you’re good at guitar, why not give it a try?
Destiny ~At Last, the Angel Turned This Way~Shimazu Aya
Aya Shimazu is known for her overwhelming vocal prowess as an enka singer, but she also takes on pop covers and, unexpectedly, works on catchy tunes as well.
Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Unmei ~Yatto Tenshi ga Kocchi o Muita~” (Fate ~At Last, the Angel Turned This Way~).
This piece is not enka; it strongly leans toward kayōkyoku, and there are no kobushi (the intricate ornamental turns) that require complex technique.
While it does call for powerful vocals incorporating shouts and steady long notes, these are far easier compared to kobushi, so for those who are fairly familiar with enka, it might feel like a relatively easy song to tackle.
A roundup of songs that start with “U”. Perfect for shiritori or choosing karaoke songs! (441–450)
Winter daysarashi
Riding on a lively groove that turns the cold winter red-hot, this song celebrates the sweet moments shared by lovers.
Featured on the November 2017 single “Doors: Yūki no Kiseki,” it’s characterized by a funky vibe enriched with a horn section and lush strings.
The highlight is the harmony woven from each member’s unique personality, and its smooth, gentle tone suits ski resorts and winter scenery alike.
It portrays a couple escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy their own world on a winter night illuminated by lights, making it a perfect track for a winter date with someone special.