[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 caution!] Very high songs that are hard to sing (141–150)
Go your wayRyokushokushakai
Ryokuoushoku Shakai is a four-piece rock band known for catchy, earworm melodies and exhilarating songs.
Their 6th single, “Michi o Yuke,” written as the theme song for the TV drama First Penguin!, stands out for its powerful message that ties in with the show’s story.
With an opening that jumps straight into falsetto and jazzy melodic turns, the song keeps you on your toes; in karaoke, be sure to listen to the ensemble as you sing.
For women who are good at high notes, this track lets you showcase techniques beyond just high range.
If you practice and master it, you can be the star at karaoke.
moon bathingYorushika
This is Yorushika’s 16th single, released in October 2023.
It’s a mid-tempo pop song where you can fully enjoy vocalist suis’s bright tone.
The most important point when singing this piece is how well you can recreate that bright quality in suis’s voice.
In particular, for the upper-mid to high notes in the vocal melody, try to sing as if you’re placing the sound against your upper palate inside your mouth.
Also pay attention to phrasing and dynamics.
Then, toward the end of the song—around 3:35—where the vocals drop into the lower range, make sure to use solid chest voice to clearly express the contrast with the sections that came before.
flower fortune-tellingVaundy
Singer-songwriter Vaundy is known for his wide musical range.
While he’s praised for both his low and high registers, “Hanauroi” particularly showcases his upper range.
It’s a J-pop track with slightly bluesy phrases, featuring an extremely high line near the end of the chorus.
The range is quite broad, from mid1 F to hi D.
The highest chest voice note, hi A#, which requires mixed voice, appears 10 times, and the highest falsetto note, hi D, occurs frequently toward the end.
It’s a challenging piece, but for those who enjoy singing with mixed voice, it’s very satisfying—so definitely give it a try.
First LoveUru
This is female singer Uru’s 10th single, released on February 10, 2021.
It’s truly a classic, straight-ahead love ballad! Within the sweet and heartrending melody, I think Uru’s richly expressive vocals really shine.
Personally, I found the contrast in her delivery especially brilliant—the way she belts out the chorus with fullness, then sings the other parts softly, gently, and with a tender sorrow.
Even in that memorable chorus, she avoids going for sheer power with high chest voice, and instead skillfully uses falsetto and mixed voice to create a gentle feel without ever sounding weak.
Because the song requires carefully switching among various types of high-register phonation, I don’t think it’s easy to sing at karaoke.
But once you master it, you’ll surely gain a few levels of expressive ability as a singer.
WildflowerSuperfly
This is a song that became a hit as the theme song for the drama “GOLD.” It was released in 2010 as Superfly’s 10th single.
The positive lyrics are encouraging.
From the powerful opening, try singing with all your emotion.
Marigoldaimyon
It’s Aimyon’s fifth single, released in August 2018.
This song also lets you fully enjoy not just her high notes but her outstanding vocal ability overall.
Because her natural tone is a bit husky and she has the vocal power to resonate solidly in the lower range, she may not be perceived as a typical high-tone singer.
But her ability to sing a song with such a striking contrast between highs and lows within a single track is truly remarkable.
It might be a bit challenging to sing if you’re only good at high notes, but for the D-melody section in particular, try making the most of your strong upper range.
Just be careful not to let your voice sound weak.
BlessingYOASOBI
YOASOBI, comprising a singer-songwriter and a Vocaloid producer, are popular both in Japan and abroad as a unit while each maintaining their own field.
Their second single, The Blessing, used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, features a cool digital sound paired with a clear, airy vocal that really lifts your spirits.
Since the overall key is high and the chorus includes leaps that use falsetto, be careful not to miss the notes.
If you’re a woman who’s good with high notes, it’s a great chance to show off your skills at karaoke—why not give it a try?