[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-Pitch Warning!] Very High Songs That Are Hard to Sing (261–270)
Speed Livemisono
It became a hot topic as the theme song for the movie “Love★Com.” It’s a cute love song that makes full use of Misono’s vocal ability.
Released as a single in 2007.
Recommended for those who like pop tunes.
Singing it will lift your spirits.
hikarieill
This is Japanese singer eill’s 11th digital single, released on June 21, 2021.
It was created as an original number for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Night Doctor.” The song is a mid-tempo track with a slightly bittersweet melody, and eill’s vocals showcase rich expressiveness, deftly employing mixed voice and falsetto.
While maintaining an overall soft impression, her singing clearly delineates contrasts between the song’s sections—truly impressive.
Since it isn’t a song where you can simply belt out straightforward high notes, it might be a bit challenging to sing at karaoke.
But precisely because of that, if you can perform it with expressiveness approaching the original, it’s likely to move those around you.
It’s also an excellent choice as a practice piece for female singers aiming to develop soft high tones.
junkYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s new song “Garakuta.” Recently, Yonezu has often leaned into edgier musical styles, but this time he’s unveiled an orthodox approach reminiscent of “Lemon.” Many listeners may find the classic, catchy pop melody familiar and appealing.
The toughest part of this track is unquestionably the chorus.
Each phrase is short, but falsetto appears repeatedly, making the chorus undeniably A-class in difficulty.
If you struggle with switching between falsetto and chest voice, this song is a great one to practice with.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
This song gives the impression of a moving, listenable ballad.
To sing it with a beautiful, breathy tone like vocalist Fujiwara’s, lung capacity, diaphragmatic breathing, and bodily awareness are all important.
You might think, “There’s so much to keep in mind…,” but don’t worry! First, when you sing, make sure to really listen to the backing drums.
If you sing in sync with the drum accents, it becomes easier to keep the rhythm and to hit the high notes.
By the way, even my female students struggled with this song, saying, “It’s so high!”—I think the key is how you produce the sound.
If you sing with the image of resonating in the back of your head, the overall feel becomes softer, bringing you closer to Fujiwara’s gentle tone.
There are also soaring long tones, so try finding the placement where you can produce them comfortably and sing from there.
[High Pitches Ahead!] High Songs That Are Hard to Sing (271–280)
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!
Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako
It was Takako Matsu’s debut single, released on March 21, 1997.
As the title suggests, it evokes the feeling of “spring” and leaves a very refreshing impression.
Perhaps because it’s her debut song, Matsu’s vocals sound youthful, which I feel greatly contributes to the song’s breezy charm.
The vocal melody itself is very easy to hum and approachable, but to sing it without spoiling the original atmosphere, I think an appealing high register is essential.
Be sure to perform it with a sparkling voice like hers!
Bluebirdikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s 10th single, released in September 2008.
It also served as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime Naruto Shippuden, so many of you have probably heard it.
Yoshioka’s vocals aren’t an ultra-human high-tone showcase, but her bright, radiant voice—rich in high-frequency overtones—energizes listeners.
It’s also a great pick for karaoke for women with naturally high speaking voices.
There’s a lot to learn from this straightforward vocal style, too!