[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 pitch warning!] High songs that are difficult to sing (161–170)
DynamiteSuperfly
This is Superfly’s sixth digital single, released on May 23, 2022.
From her debut, vocalist Shiho Ochi has been renowned for her powerful voice and exceptional singing ability, and that vocal presence is fully on display in this track as well! She delivers an impressively powerful, soaring performance.
Her strong, chest-voice high notes are particularly noteworthy.
While it may be difficult for most people to recreate this in karaoke, it’s definitely a song that women who are confident in their high range should try.
One more thing to watch out for when singing this at karaoke is the rhythm.
The song features some intricate rhythmic arrangements, so be careful not to lose track of the vocal entrances by getting pulled along by the backing track.
Crackers on the back of my mindzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
Judging by the unit’s name alone, Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni is a very distinctive female vocal unit.
This is their second digital single, released in October 2018.
The vocalist ACA-ne (Akane) appears to possess highly advanced vocal technique, skillfully switching throughout the song between various tones—from powerful high notes using head voice to gentle highs using falsetto.
This variation is used very effectively, making the track an excellent reference and practice piece for singing high notes.
While it’s quite challenging to master, I’d strongly recommend it to anyone aiming to become a high-tone singer.
[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (171–180)
a hair’s breadthUru
Uru’s digital-only single, released in April 2023.
It serves as the ending theme for the anime “Hell’s Paradise.” It’s a very beautiful ballad, and I think the key to singing this song lies in how well you can recreate the contrast between the whisper-like vocals in the quieter sections—such as the opening with minimal backing arrangement—and the expressive delivery in the rhythm-driven parts like the chorus.
The high notes in the chorus will be a showcase for singers who are strong in the upper register, but try taking on the challenge with power while being careful not to let the singing or your tone become rough.
Keep on MovingNEXZ
NEXZ is a boy group formed by JYP and Sony Music.
While all the members grew up in Japan, their performances rival the best of K-pop.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend as a challenging piece to sing is Keep on Moving.
Recent boy group tracks tend to be difficult across the board, but this one is particularly tough because it features many high notes.
Considering the low tones in the rap parts as well, it spans a fairly wide vocal range.
If you’re confident in your vocal range, definitely give it a try.
See you tomorrow…JUJU
JUJU is a singer who masterfully performs music across all genres, from jazz to R&B.
Among her releases, a song that high-voiced female singers will especially enjoy is Mata Ashita, released in 2011.
Over a grand sound that incorporates beautiful strings, her emotional vocals unfold.
When singing it at karaoke, the key is to gradually build the intensity from the first verse to the pre-chorus and into the chorus.
Delivering supple, beautiful, and at times heartrending vocals will convey the emotional shifts.
Why not pour your feelings into this sentimental ballad that wishes happiness for a loved one?
breathRyokushokushakai
This is a digital-distribution-only single by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, released in July 2022.
Set in a slow-to-mid tempo with a highly refined arrangement, it’s a track where vocalist Haruko Nagaya’s extraordinarily expressive singing truly shines.
From the nuanced shifts in vocal delivery to the articulation of vowels and consonants in the lyrics, every part is sung with great care.
To recreate this in karaoke, you’ll first need to study the song very closely.
Pay meticulous attention to the details—vocal production, pitch, and rhythm—and sing with precision so nothing feels careless.
If I Could Paint LifeYOASOBI
A digital-only track by the Japanese music duo YOASOBI, released in August 2022.
It was created as the theme song for the stage play of the same name, “If I Could Draw Life.” The song’s appeal and coolness hardly need explanation.
If you can sing it smoothly at karaoke, you’ll surely earn admiration from those around you! Start by firmly mastering the high-tone vocals used throughout the song, and practice getting comfortable with its calm, restrained mood and rhythm that feel like they’re about to soar but don’t quite do so.