[High-pitched warning!] Songs with high notes that are hard to sing
The Japanese music scene is known for having a relatively low emphasis on groove, but an unusually large number of high-pitched songs.
In particular, since Japan has finally started earnestly incorporating overseas music in recent years, the overall level of songs has risen dramatically.
With that in mind, this time we’ve picked out Japanese songs that are on the higher side.
From songs with a wide vocal range, to tracks that have pinpoint high parts, to songs that stay in the high register throughout, we selected from a broad set of perspectives—so be sure to find the tracks that suit you!
- Recommended karaoke songs for male vocalists with high voices
- [Taking on a song with a wide vocal range] An S-class challenge track
- A masterpiece with exhilarating high notes. An enchanting high-tone voice.
- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- I want to sing songs that use a lot of falsetto—tracks that are also good for practicing falsetto at karaoke.
- Recommended for great singers! A collection of impressive songs if you can sing them
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- Pick out the challenging songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Recommended for teenage girls! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs
- [Challenge] A Compilation of Anime Songs with High-Pitched Melodies and High-Tone Vocals
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Great for karaoke song selection! Recommended easy-to-sing songs for Gen Z women
[High notes warning!] Very high-pitched songs that are hard to sing (91–100)
HeroAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro, a singer who displayed such charisma from her debut that she became a social phenomenon, retired in 2018 to much regret.
Her 45th single “Hero,” used as the broadcast theme song for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, likely lifted the spirits of many with its almost divine melody and ensemble.
Because of its distinctive arrangement, in which the beat changes between the first and second halves, it’s important to vary your delivery when singing it at karaoke.
Since the song features a wide vocal range throughout, if you find it difficult to sing, be sure to adjust the key to one that suits you.
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s 18th single, released in May 2010.
It was the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
Ikimono-gakari’s charm lies in their bright, high-toned songs—perfect material for women with higher voices! The key point when singing this song is how well you can convey a sense of gentle tenderness without losing its brightness.
If possible, memorize the lyrics and sing while savoring their meaning; you’ll likely deliver a really nice performance.
[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (101–110)
An irreplaceable poemmihimaru GT
Released in 2007 as mihimaru GT’s 12th single.
The song was used as the theme for the Toho-distributed film “Doraemon: Nobita’s New Great Adventure into the Underworld — The Seven Magic Users,” and both members of mihimaru GT appeared in the movie as voice actors.
Its warm lyrics that capture the world of Doraemon and the clear, expansive vocals moved many listeners.
New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)Ado
This is Ado’s 10th single overall, released in June 2022.
It was chosen as the theme song for the animated film ONE PIECE FILM RED, with lyrics and composition by Yasutaka Nakata.
The song opens with Ado’s stunning high-tone a cappella, hinting right away that it will be a formidable challenge to sing at karaoke.
As expected, the track unfolds in a way that requires skillful switching of vocal registers throughout the melody.
To perform this song well at karaoke, mastering these vocal transitions is essential.
Although it’s slightly uptempo, be careful not to let your vocal rhythm rush ahead when you sing.
Sky and Blueieiri reo
This is Leo Ieiri’s 17th single, released in January 2021.
Since the song kicks off right from the chorus, you can enjoy a performance full of high-tone vocals from the very beginning, making generous use of falsetto.
The melodic lines often sit in a higher range, and Leo Ieiri’s slightly cute voice—rich in higher-order overtones—intensifies the impression of a “high” vocal sound.
When singing it at karaoke, be mindful of switching smoothly into falsetto.
If you’re confident in your high notes, it might also be fun to belt the highs in chest voice for a more powerful take!
INAZMANOMELON NOLEMON
It’s a signature song by the unit with lyrics and composition by Tsumiki and vocals by Miki Maria, released as a single on August 13, 2021.
It features a sharp, edgy rock sound and lyrics themed around lightning-like impact, and it’s also a fan favorite at live shows.
I love the rock vibe and lyrics of “INAZMA,” and I often sing it at karaoke! Because the tempo is fast, if you’re not used to the song you might struggle with breath timing and feel like you’re getting left behind, and the many onomatopoeic lines can trip up your tongue.
It’s best to get comfortable with the tempo before trying it at karaoke! Also, since it goes quite high, singing with a bit of extra energy helps your voice carry better—highly recommended!
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
This was JUJU’s ninth single in total, released in February 2009.
It was featured as the commercial song for MTV Japan and Nissan’s collaboration project, “MTV meetalk with NEW NISSAN cube,” and became a major hit, helped in part by JUJU herself appearing in the commercial.
Although this feature has been introducing many songs with fairly high vocal difficulty, among them this one has a vocal melody that’s relatively easy to sing and memorize.
For women who are good at singing high notes, it feels like an ideal track to showcase the charm of your voice.
If you place your voice so it resonates against the upper palate inside your mouth while singing, it should be easier to recreate JUJU’s open, high-tone vocal quality—so give it a try.