[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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- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
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[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (251–260)
STARSMika Nakashima
Mika Nakashima’s debut single with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Kizudarake no Love Song,” starring Katsunori Takahashi, in which Mika Nakashima herself also appeared.
In the chorus, you can fully showcase your high notes and sing with freedom.
The verses aren’t too low in key, so sing gently and relaxed as you build toward the high notes in the chorus.
It’s a song that lets you present both your natural high voice and your falsetto equally well.
[High-Pitch Warning!] Very High Songs That Are Hard to Sing (261–270)
Midnight TalkLila Ikuta
This song by Lila Ikuta, who is also active as a member of the popular music duo YOASOBI, was released in July 2023.
It was selected as the commercial song for Topvalu’s “Mogu Mogu Ajiwau Soup.” While Ikuta often sings complex, Vocaloid-style melodies in YOASOBI, in this solo track she performs a relatively simple melody, retaining the appeal of her slightly impersonal vocal tone.
Because of that, it should be easier for the general public to aim for a high score if they choose it for karaoke.
However, the vocal range used in the melody does extend fairly high, so if you’re not comfortable singing in the upper register—particularly with falsetto—please keep that in mind when you try it.
For rhythm, sticking as closely as possible to the beat of the backing track and aiming for precise timing is, I think, the quickest path to a high score.
The Kouga Ninja ScrollsOnmyo-za
This is the 10th single by the Japanese HM/HR band Onmyo-za, released on April 27, 2005.
It was used as the opening theme for the UHF TV anime Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, marking Onmyo-za’s first tie-in with an anime.
The vocals by the singer Kuroneko in this track showcase an extremely skillful range—from piercing high tones delivered in chest voice to soft high tones in falsetto—seamlessly switching between them for expressive effect.
If you can reproduce this like she does, you’re sure to draw attention at karaoke.
It’s truly a perfect showcase for high-note female singers, both to demonstrate and to dazzle.
The melody is quite intricate, though, so simply being good at high notes might not be enough to pull it off.
Still, give it a try at least once!
Black and WhiteDa-iCE
Da-iCE is a dance-vocal group that captivates women’s hearts with their powerful vocal performances.
Speaking of Da-iCE, their hallmark is definitely those soaring high notes, right? Their new song “Black and White” showcases Da-iCE’s high register to the fullest.
The most challenging element here is, without a doubt, the mixed voice sections.
Delivering Da-iCE’s signature, strong and resonant mixed voice across a wide range is no easy feat.
LaughobiaMINAKEKKE
MINAKEKKE is the solo project of Yui Minako.
Characterized by a sound rooted in goth, new wave, acid folk, and trip-hop, it has earned high praise from hardcore music aficionados.
The new track “Laughobia” blends acid folk and trip-hop, boasting a very wide vocal range.
Although it’s sung with a downbeat, moody delivery, the abundance of long tones likely demands more diaphragm and breath control than one might expect.
Happy EnderTHE BEAT GARDEN
THE BEAT GARDEN is a music unit known for its rare lineup of four vocalists and one DJ.
Their new song “Happy Ender” spans a very wide vocal range.
The most striking feature is the mixed voice.
Mixed voice appears throughout the track, and because it’s the type that requires powerful, belted delivery, the piece is quite selective in terms of who can even produce the necessary vocals.
On top of that, the vocal line has dramatic rises and falls, making this undeniably an S-tier difficulty song.
finger hairChou Kyumei
ChoQMay is a band that’s gaining popularity for their addictive sound, driven by a distinctive high-toned voice.
While the band often features many high-register parts, their new song “Yubikami” leans into this even more, with repeated falsetto sections in the chorus that use a whispery tone.
Although the vocal lines aren’t particularly difficult in terms of phrasing, the wide range and the stamina required for the high parts make it quite challenging overall.
Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.