[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
- S-Rank Difficulty!? A Compilation of Songs with Wide Vocal Ranges
- 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
- For those confident in their singing ability: Challenging songs to try 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
- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
- [For Teenage Girls] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
[High-pitched caution!] Difficult high-range songs to sing (121–130)
Love seekerJO1
JO1 is one of Japan’s leading boy groups.
They boast talent on par with K-pop acts and have achieved global success, especially across Asia.
Among their songs, the one I particularly recommend for its striking high notes is Love seeker.
True to the style of recent idol tracks, it features a wide range of vocal expressions within a single song—from rap parts to falsetto and mixed voice.
If you can handle it solo, you can safely say you have solid vocal ability.
Magic hourGreen Yellow Society
A single by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, released in July 2023.
The song was reportedly written as an insert track for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.
m.
drama “Midsummer Cinderella.” It’s a medium-tempo pop-rock song with a very refreshing vibe, but to sing it well, I feel the first requirement is to have mastered transitioning from a chest voice with rich higher overtones to falsetto.
Precisely because of that, if you can pull it off beautifully, you’re sure to earn praise from those around you! Listen closely to the original, study it, and then give it a try.
Also be careful not to rush the song’s rhythm as you sing.
fragileEvery Little Thing
Every Little Thing is a beloved national band cherished by people of all ages.
Their song “fragile,” which took the No.
1 spot on the 2001 Oricon annual karaoke chart, carries the meaning of being delicate or breakable.
It’s a ballad that expresses the fragility of the human heart—how small triggers can lead to misunderstandings or cause things to fall apart.
With its overall slow tempo and minimal pitch variation, it’s easy to sing without straining your voice, which is one reason for its popularity.
It’s recommended to sing it with emotion that matches the lyrics.
usmilet
This is the third single by female singer-songwriter milet, released in August 2019.
It was also selected as the theme song for the NTV drama “Gisou Furin” (Deception/Adulterous Pretend).
Drawing on a background of being immersed in classical music from childhood and being so devoted to the flute that she aimed for a music university, she delivers a very bold vocal performance that showcases her ample breath control.
She also studied abroad in Canada during her teens, and the way she sings the English lyrics in the latter half of the song offers many points that could be instructive for Japanese listeners.
While it’s important to sing the soaring high notes of the chorus with a free, expansive tone, pay careful attention not to let the mid-to-low range in the verses become a throaty, mouth-only sound—keep it supported and avoid singing just from the throat.
[High Notes Warning!] Very high songs that are hard to sing (131–140)
I was the only one who liked it.Aquarium Life
This is the third single from the project Suisougurashi by composer s-num, released in September 2021.
It’s a song with a very brisk tempo that’s simply fun to listen to.
The singer for Suisougurashi, Eye, has a beautifully clear high tone, and in this track she skillfully uses mixed voice and falsetto to deliver a gentle, soft high register that matches the song’s atmosphere perfectly.
Falsetto (head voice) is sometimes seen as a “cop-out” when you can’t hit the high notes, but being able to control falsetto this well actually takes a great deal of skill.
To all the high-voiced female singers reading this, definitely give this song a try!
WishMika Nakashima
Mika Nakashima, a singer who has continued to captivate fans since her debut with her translucent voice and exotic looks.
Her 47th single “Wish,” chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition, is a ballad whose grand ensemble stirs the heart.
The start of the chorus—entering with edge voice and shifting into falsetto—is both a highlight and a spot where it’s easy to go off pitch, so I especially recommend focusing carefully when singing it.
If you’re a woman who excels at high tones, paying attention not only to technique but also to dynamics will make you stand out even at karaoke, so give it a try.
againYUI
Singer-songwriter YUI has continued to captivate listeners with a voice that conveys both ephemerality and strong conviction.
Her 13th single, “again,” which was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, also drew attention for featuring Stereopony’s SHIHO on drums during the recording.
Despite its high key, the song is challenging due to its unique fast-paced phrasing and complex melody, so it’s important to learn it thoroughly before performing it at karaoke.
Since it’s an anime opening, mastering it tends to draw attention from male audiences as well, so why not give it some practice?