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[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!

[High notes caution!] Very high songs that are hard to sing (141–150)

I need your loveBeverly

Beverly / “I need your love” Music Video (Short Ver.)
I need your loveBeverly

It’s a track included on Beverly’s first original album, “AWESOME,” released in 2017.

It served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “CRISIS: Special Security Squad.” Shun Oguri, who starred in the series, was impressed by Beverly’s live performance and recommended her to the drama’s producer, which led to the song’s selection.

It is one of Beverly’s signature songs, noted for her powerful high-range vocals.

As if to wrap you up…MISIA

MISIA – As If to Embrace… (Official HD Music Video)
As if to wrap you up…MISIA

This was MISIA’s debut single, released in February 1998.

Even more than 20 years after its release, it’s still regarded as one of her signature songs and a standout hit of the Heisei era.

Her vocals on this track exude a youthful charm compared to her current style, yet she delivers a performance so accomplished that it’s hard to believe it’s a debut.

When singing this song at karaoke, the most crucial factor is, without a doubt, how well you can control high notes.

MISIA herself masterfully transitions from powerful chest-voice high tones to gentle falsetto, and toward the end of the song she even employs stunning whistle notes at ultra-high pitches.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this track a showcase of high-tone techniques for female vocals.

In that sense, it’s an ideal practice piece for women working on their high register.

If you’re confident with high notes, take your time to study this song and aim to deliver it flawlessly.

Happy! Fun! I love it!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Happy! Fun! I Love You! (from URAWAN 2016 Live Ver.)
Happy! Fun! I love it!DREAMS COME TRUE

When you think of DREAMS COME TRUE, this is the song that comes to mind for many people, right? Just singing it puts you in a truly happy mood, and it always gets everyone pumped up, so it’s a great pick for occasions with lots of people.

It’s no exaggeration to say that when in doubt, you can just sing this song!

[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (151–160)

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake is a three-piece band.

They basically sing orthodox pop, but they also incorporate, albeit subtly, elements of Black music such as R&B and soul.

Among Omoinotake’s works, the one I especially recommend for its striking high notes is “Ikuokukōnen” (Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years).

It doesn’t feature outrageously high notes, but because the chorus stays in a high register throughout, it’s a song that demands the stamina to keep singing in a high voice.

If there really is a destined person for meNishino Kana

Kana Nishino “If My Soulmate Exists” MV (Short Ver.)
If there really is a destined person for meNishino Kana

Hugely popular among middle and high school girls, many want to sing it at karaoke but find it too high to pull off! That’s exactly when having a naturally high chest voice becomes a special advantage—you can proudly sing Kana Nishino.

This cute number, used as the CM song for “Vitamin Carbonated MATCH,” expresses the anticipation of waiting for a destined lover.

The chorus sits in a higher key that really lets your high notes shine, and the rest of the song never dips too low either, making it the perfect track for high-voiced girls.

INAZMANOMELON NOLEMON

NOMELON NOLEMON / INAZMA Official Music Video
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!

Sunny dropNovelbright

Novelbright – Sunny drop [Official Music Video]
Sunny dropNovelbright

A number known as a challenge piece for its wide range and continuous high notes.

The high leaps in the final chorus are especially an S‑tier difficulty point.

The overall vocal range spans roughly C#3 to F#5, which is quite wide, and you should pay particular attention to the switch into the high tones in the chorus.

Of course, if you just belt recklessly, you’ll wreck your throat, so be mindful of resonance placement and aim to let the highs come out comfortably.

In any range, keep the image of ringing the space behind your head, and as the pitch rises, increase your explosiveness.

Before singing, don’t forget to warm up with lip rolls, humming, and similar exercises!