[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!
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- [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
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- [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 Pitch Warning!] High songs that are hard to sing (231–240)
This gameKonomi Suzuki
Do you know the anison singer Konomi Suzuki? She’s really cool, so if you like anime songs, you should definitely give her a listen! In “This game,” the notes are extremely high throughout, and it even modulates in the last chorus, making it go even higher.
The overall range of the song is B3 to F5, which is generally on the higher side, and if you try to belt it all in chest voice, your throat will get wrecked (lol).
Suzuki mixes in head voice skillfully.
When hitting notes as high as in “This game,” it’s easier if you focus on resonance rather than just pushing or belting.
That said, it’s not something anyone can do right away, so first try placing a hand on your chest and check that your chest is resonating.
Also, if you forget to breathe, you won’t be able to hit high notes, so take plenty of air through your mouth and line up your breathing with the song’s timing!
my sweet darlin’Hitomi Yaida
Released in 2000 as Hitomi Yaida’s second single.
The song was used in a commercial for Nikon’s digital camera “COOLPIX 880,” became her first Top 10 hit, and propelled her name to nationwide recognition.
It’s an upbeat track with a memorable chorus that makes extensive use of falsetto.
AitsumugiMinami Kizuki
This is Minami Kizuki’s debut song, rooted in Amami folk “shima-uta.” The lyrics by Yuka Kawamura are outstanding, as expected.
Her effortless, unstrained vocals, backed by solid singing ability, make her a top recommendation among soothing female vocalists.
She has appeared frequently on NHK and in films, and her non-urban vibe may well be her strength.
It’s also very easy to sing as a karaoke song and is perfect for those who can shine in the high register.
TImeHikaru Utada
A digital-only single by Hikaru Utada, released in May 2020.
It was the theme song for the NTV Sunday drama ‘Gourmet Detective Goro Akechi.
’ There’s hardly any need to mention at this point how exceptional Utada’s vocal ability is; her use of mixed voice and falsetto to deliver soaring high notes is masterful.
She truly stands among the top female singers in J-R&B.
Precisely for that reason, I’d love to see women who are confident with high notes take on the challenge of singing this track.
The processing on the vocals throughout the song also seems quite advanced, so replicating it exactly in karaoke might be difficult.
The key to this song is whether you can switch smoothly between vocal registers.
Foam liesKANAN
This is a song included on KANAN’s debut album, released after she gained popularity through her activities as a singer.
It expresses complex feelings: the lies my loved one tells are for my sake—and that’s what hurts.
The chorus is tough unless you have a high voice.
If you focus on keeping a cool tone, I think you can bring out the best in the song.
The flowers are cherry blossoms; you are beautiful.Ikimonogakari
This is Ikimonogakari’s eighth single, released on January 30, 2008.
The refreshingly bright sound—very characteristic of Ikimonogakari—combined with the title gives the song a spring-like feel.
The group’s vocalist, Kiyoe Yoshioka, is a singer whose charm lies in her glittering, resonant voice filled with rich high overtones, so it’s likely to be one of the best choices in karaoke for women who are strong in the high range.
When you sing it—especially in the chorus—try to place the sound against your upper palate as much as possible.
You’ll likely achieve a sparkling tone similar to hers!
LITMUSGreen Yellow Society
A song by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, released on CD on August 25, 2021.
It was reportedly written as the theme song for the TV Asahi Thursday drama “Emergency Interrogation Room.” Haruko Nagaya, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, is a singer known for her captivatingly clear, transparent voice, and that charm is fully showcased in this track as well.
When singing this song at karaoke, if you force your voice, it can ruin the piece, so try to keep your delivery as relaxed as possible.
I think a key to making it sound good is to clearly express the contrast with the slightly more powerful sections in the chorus.