Pick out the challenging songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke!

sympathetic tearsHitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto / Borrowed Tears

This was Yo Hitoto’s debut single, released in October 2002.

Although she has a Taiwanese father, her singing voice is highly technical, blending a clear, straight high register reminiscent of Japanese folk singers with skillful falsetto and middle voice.

Along with her vocal style, it’s one of those songs that’s extremely difficult to sing in karaoke in a way that approaches the original.

The melody develops in a very distinctive way, so it’s best to learn the song’s character well—less “Oriental” and more distinctly Japanese in flavor—before you sing it.

For the high notes, try to keep your voice as soft as possible so it doesn’t become too sharp or harsh.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

Happy EndingKamishiraishi Mone

“Happy End” Aoi version — Collaborative MV with the film “L♡DK: Under One Roof, Two ‘I Like You’s.”

This song is characterized by its cuteness.

Since the accompaniment doesn’t carry the vocal melody, you’ll have to establish it yourself.

The chorus isn’t particularly difficult, but the other melodies are challenging.

Rather than aiming for a cute, high-pitched tone, you need to sing cutely with a slightly lower voice, so perform with the intention of showcasing your own charm.

It’s important to sing it confidently without getting shy.

LIFEKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – LIFE ~Special Edit~ [Official Video Short ver.]

A track from the album “Beautiful People,” released in November 2019.

Since it’s a song performed by Mr.

Kubota—one of the leading figures in Japanese R&B—it’s quite a formidable opponent for karaoke! First, there’s that bouncy 16th-note groove… and on top of that, the slow-ballad tempo is one of the things Japanese singers tend to struggle with most.

The soft high tones that make skillful use of mixed voice are also a major hurdle when singing.

If you’re going to try it at karaoke, start by making sure the groove doesn’t flatten out, and avoid forcing the high notes with sheer power.

If you’re not comfortable with mixed voice, boldly switching to falsetto is a perfectly valid option!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

night after nightKurahashi Yoeko

Yoko Kurahashi - Yonayona Yona Full.

It starts off fairly high, but in the chorus it goes even higher, making it difficult to stay on pitch.

It’s characterized by somewhat dark lyrics and a strangely catchy melody that sticks in your head, making it highly addictive.

It also drew attention for the high quality of an unofficial fan-made music video.

Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose

Hajime Chitose – The Tree of Wadatsumi

It was released in 2002 as Chitose Hajime’s debut single.

“Wadatsumi” refers to the sea deity appearing in Japanese mythology, and the lyrics tell the story of a woman who, overwhelmed by love, turns into a flower.

Chitose Hajime’s voice is often hailed as a once-in-a-century talent, and the distinctive Amami Oshima island singing style makes this a very challenging song.

abnormalizeRin to shite Shigure

Ling tosite sigure “abnormalize (short ver.)”

It’s the theme song of the anime PSYCHO-PASS.

The key stays quite high from start to finish, so even women might find it hard to sing in the original key.

“unravel,” which became the theme song for the anime Tokyo Ghoul, is also very high and difficult, so if you’re confident in your high notes, give it a try.

Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Wait & See (Risk)

It was released in 2000 as Hikaru Utada’s fifth single.

Produced by Jam & Lewis, the song became a hot topic and achieved million-seller status.

Hikaru Utada’s songs are all set in very high keys, and this one is particularly difficult to sing due to her unique vocal phrasing.