[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!
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- 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 pitch warning!] High songs that are difficult to sing (161–170)
Dear…Nishino Kana
This single was released on December 2, 2009, and was used in commercials for DOCOMO supporting exam-takers, as well as in commercials for RecoChoku.
The song’s overall vocal range spans two octaves from F3 to F5, with the verse being quite low and then exploding into a very high register in the chorus.
Although Kana Nishino’s songs are generally perceived as consistently high, there are many tracks like “Dear…” that also use low notes, which makes the range broader.
However, because the tempo is relaxed, as long as you manage your breathing properly, you should be able to maintain the stamina to sing the whole song.
Rather than focusing only on the high notes, be mindful not to let the low notes in the verse sound muffled.
Low pitches tend to drop into the throat, so the key is to raise your eyebrows and project the voice forward as if pushing it out.
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.
[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (171–180)
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.
Who am I?TK from RIN TO SHITE SIGURE
TK, the frontman of Ling tosite sigure, has also found success as a solo artist, producing numerous hit songs since the 2010s.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend as a challenging high-register piece is Dare ga Tame.
This song maintains a high pitch from start to finish.
Depending on the singer, it may feel like you’re constantly pushing the limits of your chest voice.
Some people might even get a headache, so please be careful when singing it.
PINK BLOODUtada Hikaru
This is a digital-only single by Hikaru Utada, released on June 2, 2021.
It was selected as the opening theme for the NHK E-TV anime “To Your Eternity.” Apparently, this is the first time Utada has handled a theme song for an anime.
Genre-wise, it falls under what’s called “alternative R&B,” featuring a distinctly floating, jazzy melody and a sinking, immersive beat that make for a very striking track.
When I first listened to it, my impression was, “It’s quite difficult to grasp the rhythm—or rather, the beat—of this song.” Utada’s vocal ability and her soft, gentle expressiveness in the high register are well-known, and they’re on full display here.
However, I think the most important thing when singing this song is first to firmly understand the rhythm of the backing track (karaoke) and lock into the beat before singing.
It’s a pretty high-bar choice for karaoke, but I’d love to see women who are confident in their singing give it a try.