Challenge! A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Hikaru Utada
Hikaru Utada is a female singer-songwriter who has been active since her teens.
Back then, it was rare for teenage artists to release songs incorporating R&B, and she had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.
This time, we’d like to feature some of Hikaru Utada’s songs that are especially easy to sing.
We’ll delve into which parts are technically challenging and how to approach singing them, so if you’re not confident in your singing, be sure to check this out.
Challenge! A roundup of easy-to-sing Hikaru Utada songs (1–10)
youUtada Hikaru
“Anata,” the eighth digital-only single, was selected as the theme song for the film DESTINY: Kamakura Monogatari.
The track, which also served as the song for Sony’s “Noise-Canceling Wireless” commercial featuring Hikaru Utada herself, is notable for its delicate ensemble highlighting piano and strings.
While the vocal range isn’t particularly wide, it’s challenging to sing through without breaking the smooth, flowing melody, so be mindful of each pitch as you sing.
Also, be careful not to drift away from the buoyant rhythm of the relaxed shuffle beat.
I’m crazy about youUtada Hikaru
Kimi ni Muchuu,” the 14th digital-only single chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Saiai.” The contrast between the club music-inspired beat and the featured piano creates a unique, airy atmosphere.
While the melody may feel challenging because it moves between low and high registers, it’s easy to learn and sing since there aren’t any large interval jumps.
However, a complex and fast phrase appears toward the end, so be sure to stay focused and sing through to the very last note.
lightUtada Hikaru
The 10th single “Hikari,” used as the ending theme for the Kingdom Hearts game series.
Its lyrics, which evoke encounters with someone precious and a sense of the future, resonate deeply alongside a wistful melody.
Although it features many leaps in pitch and sustained high notes in falsetto during the chorus, its relaxed tempo and memorable melody make it easier to sing if you set it in a key that suits your voice.
It’s a lyrical number you can also enjoy by comparing it with the English version, “Simple and Clean.”
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
The fourth digital-only single, “Hanataba o Kimi ni,” was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Toto Nee-chan.
The lyrics, written as a letter to her mother, Keiko Fuji, who passed away suddenly in 2013, convey a message that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching.
While the melody is intricate with many leaps in pitch and thus not easy to sing, the relaxed tempo makes it important to take your time without rushing.
It’s a sentimental ballad that’s sure to captivate anyone who hears it at karaoke.
travelingUtada Hikaru
The 9th single “traveling,” which was used as the theme song for NTT Docomo’s FOMA commercials.
Created under the concept of a “feel-good, energizing song,” it also sparked major buzz at the time for its music video that made extensive use of CG and animation.
While it has few high notes and a simple melody, the pitch moves up and down frequently, and the chorus includes leaps, so be careful not to miss notes when singing it at karaoke.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, making it a pop tune that’s sure to captivate listeners at karaoke.
I am a bear.Utada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada’s classic “Boku wa Kuma” is memorable for its nursery rhyme–like melody.
Many people may recognize it from commercials and other uses.
You could even say that the nursery rhyme–style melody makes it easy to sing.
In fact, the song is crafted so that children can sing it with ease.
With its narrow vocal range, few long notes, and a relaxed tempo that makes keeping rhythm simple, it’s packed with singable features, so anyone can handle it.
If you want it to sound more like a polished vocal performance, focus on matching the pitch precisely on the phrase “kuma,” and add dynamics by singing the quiet sections in a whispery tone, known as a whisper voice.
A Two-Hour Vacation (featuring Sheena Ringo)Utada Hikaru
The song “Nijikan Dake no Vacance (Two-Hour Vacation) featuring Ringo Sheena” was released as a pre-release single from the sixth album Fantome.
As the title suggests, it’s a collaboration with singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena, and its lyrics evoke a sense of the extraordinary, making a strong impression.
Each melody line moves intricately, but the vocal range isn’t very wide, so once you learn it, it’s easy to sing.
It’s a great choice to add to your karaoke repertoire—dividing parts with a friend will really liven things up.
Gold ~Until We Meet Again~Utada Hikaru
“Gold ~Mata Au Hi Made~,” the 15th digital single written as the theme song for the film Kingdom: Unmei no Honoo (Fate’s Flames).
In addition to its richly layered sound that enhances the movie, the music video—Utada Hikaru’s first to be shot on location in city streets within Japan—also drew attention.
The overall key is low and the vocal range is narrow, making it relatively easy to sing; however, the arrangement changes between the first and second halves, so be careful not to lose the rhythm.
There aren’t any large interval jumps, but the finely rising and falling melody can be tricky to follow, so be sure to learn it well before tackling it at karaoke.
Goodbye HappinessUtada Hikaru
The song “Goodbye Happiness,” released as a pre-release digital single from the compilation album Utada Hikaru SINGLE COLLECTION VOL.2.
Chosen as a commercial song for RecoChoku, it features a pop ensemble and a lively beat that really lifts your spirits.
While the melody moves up and down quite a bit, the overall range isn’t that wide, so it’s easy to sing if you set it to a key that suits you.
It’s a pop tune that feels both bright and tinged with melancholy—perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke.
HEART STATIONUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s classic “HEART STATION” fuses R&B grooves with J-pop catchiness.
While the track is unmistakably R&B, the vocal lines feature many J-pop elements with frequently catchy phrases.
However, the chorus contains many high notes, so those who struggle with higher registers might find it challenging.
If that’s you, try lowering the key by two steps.
Since the song has few low-note sections, dropping the key significantly won’t make the low parts hard to sing.
Give it a try!