[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
- Cool If You Can Sing! Popular Karaoke Songs Recommended 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!
- [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
- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
[High Notes Warning!] Very High Songs That Are Hard to Sing (111–120)
WishNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima, a singer who has continued to captivate fans since her debut with her translucent voice and exotic looks.
Her 47th single “Wish,” chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition, is a ballad whose grand ensemble stirs the heart.
The start of the chorus—entering with edge voice and shifting into falsetto—is both a highlight and a spot where it’s easy to go off pitch, so I especially recommend focusing carefully when singing it.
If you’re a woman who excels at high tones, paying attention not only to technique but also to dynamics will make you stand out even at karaoke, so give it a try.
VoiceSuperfly
Superfly made her debut on April 4, 2007.
The song Voice, which I’m introducing here, was released digitally on April 4, 2022 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her debut.
Shiho Ochi has been widely praised for her vocal ability since her debut, and that prowess remains undiminished 15 years on.
In this track, she masterfully employs a range of vocal colors—from powerful, resonant high notes with a solid core to gentle highs with a soft timbre—delivering a superb performance.
Because this song is performed by a singer with exceptionally high expressive ability, it may be difficult to sing if you are simply good at hitting high notes.
Still, for women confident in their upper register, it’s a must-try piece to tackle with a powerful, soaring high tone that approaches the original.
againYUI
Singer-songwriter YUI has continued to captivate listeners with a voice that conveys both ephemerality and strong conviction.
Her 13th single, “again,” which was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, also drew attention for featuring Stereopony’s SHIHO on drums during the recording.
Despite its high key, the song is challenging due to its unique fast-paced phrasing and complex melody, so it’s important to learn it thoroughly before performing it at karaoke.
Since it’s an anime opening, mastering it tends to draw attention from male audiences as well, so why not give it some practice?
Heralding springyama
This song, Haru wo Tsugeru, is what suddenly brought yama into the spotlight.
Some of you might recognize the opening phrase.
That said, when you actually try singing it, it’s famous for being difficult because of the drastic ups and downs in pitch.
The rhythm is crucial and the tempo is on the faster side, so it’s best to learn it slowly, piece by piece, at first.
YouTube lets you change the playback speed, so I highly recommend using that! When you sing, try not to push on the high notes; if you stay relaxed, you’ll be able to make good use of your falsetto.
It might help to practice singing lightly, with a bouncy feel.
As you get a feel for the melody line, you’ll naturally figure out where to add accents and where to cut the sound.
Once you’re comfortable, try using a bit more breath; that should help you switch smoothly between chest voice and falsetto.
I’m happy.ikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari released their 34th single in September 2023.
It’s a double A-side single featuring both “Ureshikute” and “Tokimeki,” which we’re introducing here.
The songs were selected as the theme for the Toei animated film “Precure All Stars F.” The tracks are crafted with a highly memorable symphonic arrangement, and the symphonic sound, the bright, upbeat tone, and vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s radiant voice are exquisitely matched in the production.
Recreating the feel of the original in karaoke may be something that naturally suits singers with a higher female vocal range.
The vocal melody itself is very smooth and easy to sing, which is another strong recommendation point.
If you place the resonance toward the upper palate inside your mouth, your singing voice will become brighter—give it a try.
Dear, boyHump Back
Hump Back is a three-piece rock band drawing attention with a straightforward, rugged sound that transcends the “girls’ band” label.
Their major debut single, “Dear, Young Boy,” features lyrics based on the real experiences of the band’s central figure, Momoko Hayashi, and they truly move you.
The key is higher than it sounds when you listen, and the falsetto in the chorus is especially easy to go off-pitch, so even singers good at high notes should take care.
On the other hand, because the song combines a simple guitar-rock ensemble with strongly message-driven lyrics, it’s a rock tune that can move listeners at karaoke if you sing it straight without overthinking technique.
KissHugaiko
This is aiko’s 24th single, released in July 2008.
Listening to her own performance, I get the impression—especially in the so-called flat sections like the A melody—that her vocal delivery is, in a good way, not overly polished or professional.
Because of that, I think this song would be quite easy to sing even for women with higher voices who don’t have much singing experience.
The key point when singing this song is whether you can switch to falsetto (head voice) in the high notes of the chorus as smoothly as she does.