[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 Alert!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (201–210)
ULTRA C ft. Rin & LenGiga & TeddyLoid
The track “ULTRA C ft.
Rin/Len,” by Giga—known as a former member of REOL—and TeddyLoid, who commands massive support from the Vocaloid scene with his high-sense musicality.
It’s a work bursting with that signature TeddyLoid flair, once again delivering a level of musical sophistication rarely seen in past Vocaloid tracks.
As a result, the vocal demands are also high, featuring a very challenging vocal line that weaves together soaring highs and deep lows reminiscent of K-pop.
Vocaloid is difficult to begin with, but this piece ranks among the most demanding—so definitely give it a try.
RE RESCUEREOL
Reol’s new song “RE RESCUE.” She always delivers razor-sharp electropop, but this track ranks among the most challenging in her catalog.
There are various tricky sections, with the chorus being especially difficult.
The intense shifts in pitch force repeated transitions between chest voice and falsetto, and on top of that, it demands strong volume.
Because it requires precise pitch control and unwavering breath support and vocal production, it’s an ideal piece for building fundamental singing skills.
ChocolakatabraAdo
Ado is a singer beloved across generations.
Anyone who keeps even a little eye on J‑pop likely knows the breadth of her range and expressive power.
Among her works, a new track I especially recommend for its striking high notes is “Chocolakatabra.” While the song as a whole sits in the mid-to-high range, the chorus features a powerful falsetto.
The pitches are simply hard to nail, so if you’re confident in your vocal skills, give it a try.
DAITAN !miwa
This is the 27th single by Japanese singer miwa, released on September 9, 2020.
It also served as the theme song for the drama “Yokai Share House.” The song is fascinating, with rapid and dynamic developments, and the semi-spoken B-melody is particularly striking.
In the chorus, she showcases powerful high notes, making it a great choice for high-register female singers at karaoke to bring out their full appeal.
As for the semi-spoken parts mentioned earlier—there’s a slightly rap-like feel to them—don’t be shy; immerse yourself in the world of the song and it will come together even better! When you sing it, be sure to pay close attention so you don’t fall behind the rhythm.
J.O.K.E.R.MAZZEL
MAZZEL is one of the groups supporting Japan’s current boy group boom.
Among their works—renowned for performances that rival K-pop—my top recommendation is J.O.K.E.R.
The chorus features falsetto throughout.
It’s not just about hitting high notes; the rapid, repeated switches between chest voice and falsetto make it exceptionally challenging.
Breath control is also crucial, so if you can sing this song with ease, your vocal ability is at a professional level.
Stay closest to me.Daikoku Maki
Featured in a commercial jingle for Meiji’s “American Chips,” it became a hot topic! It’s also known as the song Maki Ohguro performed as the opening number at her first live concert.
With its upbeat sound, it’s a song that feels great to sing.
Released in 1995 as Maki Ohguro’s 11th single.
Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
Among L’Arc~en~Ciel’s many songs, “Driver’s High” is one of the most popular.
It also served as the theme song for the anime GTO, which helped it gain worldwide acclaim.
The song’s vocal range is quite wide, from mid1 E to high B.
While high B is often sung in falsetto, in this song it’s delivered with a mixed voice, and it appears frequently—six times in total.
It’s a perfect piece for practicing mixed voice, which requires strong projection, so definitely give it a try.