[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
- 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 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.
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.
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.
If I’m with youLittle Glee Monster
This is Little Glee Monster’s third digital single, released on June 9, 2021.
The track was produced by the four members excluding Serina, who is currently on hiatus, and for now it seems to be referred to as an “unfinished new song.” With that in mind, when Serina returns, a newly recorded version will likely be released.
That aside, their vocals on this track are truly outstanding—the crystal-clear, soaring high tones in the chorus are particularly noteworthy.
And of course, their vocal harmonies, one of their trademarks, are excellent as well.
It might be difficult to reproduce those harmonies at karaoke, but give it a try!
MikazukiSanketsu Shoujo Sayuri
This is Sayuri’s major-label debut single, released on August 26, 2015.
It was used as the ending theme for the Fuji TV anime Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace.
The song was crafted to make the most of Sayuri’s slightly high-pitched voice, making it an ideal karaoke choice for women with a similar vocal quality.
When performing it, it’s best to sing with a technique that emphasizes higher overtones as much as possible.
chantAdo
This is Ado’s 18th digital-only single, released in September 2023.
It’s a collaboration track for Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween event “Halloween Horror Nights,” and it serves as the theme song for the dance show “Zombie de Dance,” having been used since the 2023 edition of the event.
The song is crafted as an EDM number with a strikingly oriental and exotic mood.
Ado’s high tones aren’t the typical clear, transparent highs, but the way she belts through this intricately rising and falling melody is quite impressive.
Speaking as a vocal coach, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this approach because it places considerable strain on the throat, but those powerful high notes are worthy of praise.
Her use of falsetto in the quieter passages is lovely as well.
Please enjoy it.