[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 Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (241–250)
heartaimyon
This is Aimyon’s 12th single, released on November 24, 2021.
It was selected as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Only Just Married,” and was released digitally in advance on October 20.
It’s a ballad with a very simple arrangement, through which Aimyon’s slightly distinctive voice sounds especially appealing.
While she’s not a singer known for superhuman high notes, she has a voice rich in attractive high-frequency elements.
Because of that, some people might hesitate to choose this song at karaoke just because it’s “high,” but please give it a try.
Aim to sing gently overall so your voice doesn’t become too sharp or harsh.
save your dreamKahara Tomomi
A song released in 1996 by Tomomi Kahara, one of the Komuro Family.
Her songs are all set in a high range, making them quite difficult to sing for people with lower voices.
Even for those with naturally high chest voices, many of her tracks are fairly challenging.
But for anyone blessed with an abundance of high notes that rarely get used, they’re perfect! This song, too, is packed with high notes and falsetto from the very beginning, so if you consider yourself a queen of high notes, definitely give it a try!
KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE
When it comes to Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s vocalist Motoki Omori, he’s renowned for his exceptional singing ability.
Given how the band keeps releasing massive hits, it’s only natural their songs are hugely popular at karaoke—but many people have probably felt despair after trying to sing them and realizing they can’t sound like Omori at all.
The song Kusushiki, released in April 2025, is no exception: it’s fair to say it’s extremely difficult to sing the melody perfectly, as it navigates a wide vocal range with ease and seamlessly connects rhythmic sections with soaring, sustained lines.
Another hallmark of Omori’s singing is the delicate vibrato he applies to both low notes and falsetto, and since this song’s rhythm is also quite challenging, it’s a perfect pick for today’s theme.
crimsonX JAPAN
X JAPAN’s famous and high-pitched song “Kurenai” starts off so relaxed that you might find yourself thinking, “Is this really that song?” For the record, that’s exactly what I thought the first time I heard it (lol).
It might be easier for women to sing in the original key, but it’s quite high for men! Toshl’s vocals are truly incredible—he not only growls but also maintains solid high tones throughout.
The key to hitting high notes is your core.
If your body wobbles, your voice won’t project forward, so make sure to support from your lower abdomen (tanden).
There are parts that feel like shouting, but if you actually just shout, you’ll wreck your throat.
Try to resonate in your head with a “Kyaa!” kind of image instead.
This is definitely a song you’ll want to add to your karaoke repertoire!
Night Pierrot 360°Ado
This is Ado’s fifth digital-only single, released on June 14, 2021.
It was selected as the opening theme for the late-night drama series “Hatsujōji made 1-jikan” (One Hour Until the First Time).
Now, if you listen to the track all the way through, there aren’t any parts that use so-called ultra-high chest-voice belts, and Ado herself is, if anything, a singer with a relatively low natural chest voice.
However, she more than makes up for that by skillfully switching between vocal registers (chest voice, mixed voice, and falsetto) to deliver a brilliant interpretation of the song.
You don’t have to imitate the original exactly, but if you can show off this deft switching of vocal production at karaoke, you’re sure to become the center of attention! Be sure to listen closely to the original, study it, and try to emulate it.
You’ll surely gain a lot from the process!
[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (251–260)
Sun Goddessieiri reo
Leo Ieiri’s fifth single was released in November 2013, with digital pre-release starting in October of the same year.
The song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Clinic on the Sea.” Beginning abruptly with a high-tension, high-pitched chorus, this track might seem daunting to sing at karaoke right from the start.
However, try to support your voice firmly and be careful not to let it crack.
Keeping an energetic vibe is important too!
JUMPIkuta Rira
Rira Ikuta is a singer-songwriter who was once a member of the acoustic session unit Plusonica and now also performs as the vocalist of YOASOBI.
Her seventh digital-only single, “JUMP,” written as the theme song for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, is a refreshing track with a driving beat and a catchy guitar-riff intro.
Since the verse opens with high notes right from the start, be mindful to warm up your voice if you choose it as your first karaoke song.
Also, the melody in the chorus gradually rises in pitch, so take care not to mismanage your breathing or pacing.
