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Songs with titles that start with “Yo”

There are times when you unexpectedly need songs that start with a certain character.

For example, when you’re enjoying karaoke with restrictions, it’s hard to come up with songs on the spot, right?

So in this article, we’ll introduce songs whose titles start with “Yo.”

Not just for karaoke—you can also use this for games like brainstorming quizzes, where you see how many songs you can name and then sing the ones that come to mind.

They seem like they should be easy to think of but aren’t—here’s a lineup of songs that start with “Yu!”

Songs with titles that start with “Yo” (361–370)

Yokosuka StoryYamaguchi Momoe

Among Momoe Yamaguchi’s songs, this one is especially popular and is said to be a track she herself feels deeply attached to.

Released in June 1976, it became her biggest hit single on the Oricon charts, with total sales reaching 810,000 copies.

At the 27th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of that year, she performed this song as the opening act for the Red Team.

Set in the port town of Yokosuka, the lyrics portray deep feelings and inner conflict toward a partner while being conscious of an impending farewell, resonating with many listeners.

The song expresses the true-to-life image of 17-year-old Momoe Yamaguchi at the time—her longing for and struggles with love—and it leaves a powerful impression on those who hear it.

Give it a listen, and let it accompany your memories of youth.

cherry blossoms at nightYamakawa Yutaka

Among the many enka singers, Yutaka Yamakawa stands out for his especially smooth, tender phrasing.

Of his works, the song “Yozakura” is where you can best savor his mellow delivery.

While the piece faithfully adheres to traditional enka style, the kobushi (ornamental turns) are relatively easy—the majority resemble strongly vibrated notes, essentially the simplest form of kobushi.

As a result, the song is generally easy; however, because it sits largely in the lower register, you do need to stay mindful of keeping your throat open on the low notes.

Song of the DawnKishi Yoko

Yoko Kishi’s signature song, “Yoake no Uta” (Song of Dawn).

More than half a century after its 1964 release, it continues to be cherished as a moving classic.

With Tokiko Iwatani’s beautiful lyrics set to Tak Izumi’s melody, it gives you the courage to overcome life’s hardships and face new hope.

Praised for its vocal performance at the Japan Record Awards and featured in a film of the same name, the song was a major topic at the time.

Why not listen during that happy moment when you greet the morning sun? It’s a song that can support you at life’s important moments.

Songs with titles starting with “Yo” (371–380)

Ecstasy BluesShima Kazuhiko

I couldn’t find the original recording—only Chiaki Naomi’s cover was uploaded—but it’s a masterpiece.

The refrain of the words is heartbreakingly poignant and lingers in the ear.

I don’t think there are many singers who can truly do this song justice.

The sound of the saxophone is enough to make you cry.

Make me drunkkawanaka miyuki

When it comes to Miyuki Kawanaka, her hallmark is a rich voice characterized by simultaneous production of the fundamental frequency and its octave overtone.

In “Yowasete,” a piece that emphasizes her overtones, the vocal line is kept very simple to make the most of her fine vocal timbre.

It’s solid enka, but there are very few kobushi (ornamental turns), and no intense sections appear.

However, the range is fairly wide, and the long tone sung quietly at the end of the chorus is delivered in mixed voice, so a certain breadth of vocal range is required.

4.11Kawasaki Takaya

One of the singer-songwriters who best represents the Reiwa era, Takaya Kawasaki, seems to have a common motif running through all his songs: gratitude.

The track “4.11,” pre-released from Kawasaki’s third album, Warmth, is a perfect example.

It drew attention for being a song he wrote solely for his own child.

The photos and videos used in the music video are from Kawasaki’s private collection, too.

If you feel a bit shy about saying “thank you” to your grown-up child, let this song be your starting point.

It’s a highly recommended song that brings tears to your eyes while expressing heartfelt thanks.

43102Kawamoto Makoto

1/2 Makoto Kawamoto - Guitar [Rurouni Kenshin] Cover
43102Kawamoto Makoto

Makoto Kawamoto made her major-label debut in 1996 with the single “Ai no Sainō” (The Talent for Love).

A native of Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture, she graduated from the local high school and from the piano program in the music department at a local university, making her a highly skilled artist.

In 1997, she released “1/2,” which was chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, and it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon singles chart.

Her image of singing while playing an acoustic guitar left a strong impression and went on to greatly influence later female singer-songwriters who perform with acoustic guitar.