[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 Songs That Are Hard to Sing (111–120)
SenbonzakuraAbe Mao
Included on Mao Abe’s first cover album, “MY INNER CHILD MUSEUM,” which was released in January 2021.
The original song is a so-called Vocaloid track sung by Hatsune Miku, first published in 2011.
Vocaloid songs are originally composed without regard for the human vocal range, but Mao Abe masterfully delivers this kind of piece with her powerful high-tone voice.
This powerful high register isn’t something you can easily pull off just by “singing high,” so if you’re having trouble, it might be helpful to refer to the original Vocaloid version as well.
And if you want to further polish your proud high notes, I’ll be waiting for you in my vocal training sessions!
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko
Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single—by now there’s probably no one who doesn’t know it—is the opening theme of the popular TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, and it became a massive hit with over 500,000 copies sold.
It was released in October 1995, so it’s been over 20 years since it came out, but it’s still enjoyed a long run of popularity, having been covered by numerous voice actors, used as an image song for pachinko machines, and even remade by Takahashi herself.
With a hit this big, there’s hardly any need to explain the song itself! The arrangement lets you fully enjoy Takahashi’s exceptionally powerful vocals.
When you sing it at karaoke, try to avoid tightening your throat and aim for an open, free, soaring high tone—give it a go!
TetrisHiiragi Magunetaito
Right now, the most talked-about Vocaloid track is “Tetris.” It’s a new song by Hiiragi Magnetite, characterized by a flashy sound that carries a touch of denpa-style essence.
While this piece doesn’t necessarily feature ultra-high phrases, it’s packed with high lines throughout, and the pitch leaps are extremely sharp, giving it an overwhelming level of difficulty.
With few break points, it also demands strong lung capacity—another challenging aspect.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire.
Fantastic MagicTK from RIN TO SHITE SIGURE
A band known for many difficult high-tone phrases, TK from Ling tosite sigure.
While all of their works could be considered challenging, the one I especially recommend as a particularly tough piece is Fantastic Magic.
The hardest point of this song is, without a doubt, the chorus.
The range is mid1E to hiG#, which is still better compared to unravel, but almost the entire chorus sits at hiE or above.
Since the chorus is composed almost entirely of high-tone vocals, by the time you finish singing, the strain on your temples and throat will be immense—but I encourage you to give it a try.
unravelTK from RIN TO SHITE SIGURE
Among TK from Ling tosite sigure’s songs, the masterpiece “unravel” is renowned for its exceptional difficulty.
Known as the theme song for the popular anime Tokyo Ghoul, many people may have discovered it through Ado’s cover as well.
The most challenging aspects of this song are, above all, its vocal range and expressive breadth.
The range spans an extraordinarily wide mid2 A# to hihi A#, with repeated hi G notes in the chorus.
On top of that, it demands a wide variety of vocal techniques, including scream-like phrases and trembling lines that make use of whisper voice.
Its level of difficulty is among the highest even within Japanese rock.
Deep loveMizuki Nana
This is a song by Nana Mizuki, known for her beautifully resonant vocals.
It was used as the opening theme for the first season of the anime WHITE ALBUM.
Nana Mizuki’s songs are perfect for singing with freedom and making full use of high notes.
While listening to the beautiful melody flowing in the background, try singing expansively so your voice blends with it.
It’s recommended to sing while picturing a beautiful, clear high tone.
Goodbye, AliceFlower
A popular song by Flower, the sister group of EXILE.
Known for their strong female fanbase, they deliver a heartbreak song that traces tender, aching feelings.
Their delicate vocals beautifully capture Flower’s unique worldview, drawing listeners into the poignant, sorrowful lyrics.