[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 Warning!] High-Pitched Songs That Are Hard to Sing (21–30)
I can’t be rightzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
This is a song written by vocalist ACA-ne as the theme for the live-action film The Promised Neverland, released on December 18, 2020.
The overall vocal range is A3–F5, and it opens with the chorus melody, jumping straight to a D5.
If you can’t hit that first note, the following range will be tough as well, so make sure to prepare thoroughly before singing and aim for it with focus.
It’s definitely not an easy range overall, but the pre-chorus might be the only section you can sing without straining.
Also, with a song that has such a wide range, relying on your throat will make every register harder, so be careful.
To prevent your pitch from dropping, keep your eyebrows and facial muscles lifted and open your throat.
The trick is to commit and project your voice confidently without hesitation.
Rain and CappuccinoYorushika
A track from Yorushika’s second full album, “Elma,” by the male–female rock duo.
The band’s songs are composed by n-buna, known as a Vocaloid producer, and in this piece you can occasionally catch glimpses of a “Vocaloid-style” melodic development that differs a bit from typical vocal-driven pop songs, which makes it especially intriguing.
Even though it has those Vocaloid-like turns, the vocalist suis doesn’t have an “anime voice,” so it should be approachable for women with slightly higher voices.
One thing to watch out for is the presence of a few “leaps” typical of Vocaloid tracks.
If you can shift between falsetto and chest voice in a way that connects naturally, it’ll come out nicely.
[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (31–40)
To Hikarimiwa
Contrary to her cute looks and singing voice, singer-songwriter miwa made her major debut after steadily performing at live houses during her student days.
Her 9th single Hikari e, written as the theme song for the TV drama Rich Man, Poor Woman, features a four-on-the-floor beat and a refreshing arrangement that really lifts your mood.
Since the key is high from the very beginning throughout the entire song, and even higher notes appear at the end of the chorus, caution is needed.
If you’re a woman who’s good at high tones, this is a song where you can truly be the star—why not try it at karaoke?
Say I doTravis Japan
Travis Japan is one of the hottest boy groups in Japan right now.
Their song “Say I do” is their new track and has become a big hit, especially among young women.
Although it’s a somewhat laid-back dance-pop number, it’s more challenging than it sounds.
The main reason is the frequent use of low falsetto.
In the chorus, there are multiple phrases that switch between chest voice and falsetto, and among them appears a particularly difficult low falsetto.
Because low falsetto tends to waver in pitch, anyone who can sing this song all the way through can definitely be said to have a high level of vocal ability.
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
Released as a digital-only single in June 2010 as Superfly’s fifth single.
It was later issued on CD as the 10th single, “Wildflower & Cover Songs: Complete Best ‘TRACK 3’.” True to Superfly’s reputation for dynamic, internationally styled vocals, this is a song that’s quite difficult to sing if your only asset is a naturally high chest voice.
Producing these powerful high notes requires proper vocal technique—an absolute must.
For those confident in their singing ability, it’s one of the best songs to fully showcase your voice.
Don’t focus only on vocal power; be sure to honor the big, groovy sense of rhythm and feel as you sing!
Wolverine Nenzutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni is a band that consistently showcases a wide range of musical styles without sacrificing catchiness.
While their recent output has leaned toward louder tracks, they’ve just released a piece brimming with clarity and chic flair: Kuzuri Nen.
The vocal line itself is catchy, but because fine-grained falsetto appears in most parts, it demands more delicate vocal control than it may seem when listening.
It’s not just straightforward falsetto either—the use of mixed voice adds another layer of difficulty.
Give it a try.
PreciousItō Yuna
This is the theme song for the second film adaptation of the story depicting the heroics of Japan Coast Guard officers, “Limit of Love: Umizaru.” The American-born singer Yuna Ito delivers a beautifully grand performance.
The song starts quietly but builds to a powerful chorus, and singing it through feels incredibly satisfying—a superb ballad.
Highly recommended for those who want to sing with a sense of grandeur!