[Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular

applauseHitoto Yo

[FHD Quality] Yo Hitoto - Kassai [Naomi Chiaki]

Originally released in 1972 as Naomi Chiaki’s 13th single, the song was covered by Yo Hitoto and included on her 2012 cover album “Kayoko.” Naomi Chiaki won the Grand Prize at the 14th Japan Record Awards in 1972 with this song, and it remains one of her signature works, continuing to be covered by many artists today.

I can’t dance well.Nakamori Akina

I can’t dance well.

Included on the classic album “Utahime,” this piece is a song that fully showcases Akina Nakamori’s vocal prowess.

With lyrics imbued with Yosui Inoue’s profound poetic sensibility, it gently sings of loneliness, solitude, and inner turmoil.

Originally released by Mio Takagi in July 1982 and used as the theme song for TBS’s “Friday Mystery Theater,” the song was covered by Akina Nakamori in 1994.

By adding her own interpretation, she further heightened the work’s sense of melancholy and emotional depth.

It’s a track that seeps into the heart—one you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.

stationJUJU

station

This is a song covered by JUJU that was originally a signature track by Mariya Takeuchi.

While preserving the original’s pleasant atmosphere, JUJU’s R&B-inflected vocal style blends in seamlessly, bringing out a new charm.

Released in October 2016, the arrangement—incorporating elements of jazz and soul—is exquisite and resonates deeply with listeners.

Play it during a night drive or a quiet moment, and you’ll be wrapped in JUJU’s captivating voice and the song’s warm ambiance, enjoying a soothing, peaceful time.

Pink SpiderRIZE

RIZE – Pink Spider

The original song is by hide.

You can see their utmost respect in how they cover it, such as bringing on producers and creative staff who were involved in the original production.

With RIZE’s signature loud sound, you can feel their love for the track.

I want to take only you away just like this.WANDS

WANDS - I Want to Take Only You Away As You Are (Original)

It was released in 1993 as DEEN’s debut single.

Despite being their debut, it became DEEN’s biggest hit.

Since the lyrics were written by WANDS’s Sho Uesugi, the song was self-covered by WANDS and included on their second album “Toki no Tobira” and on “complete of WANDS at the BEING studio.”

Poem of ImagesHamada Shogo

Poem of Images (Music Video)

This is a cover project by Shogo Hamada, born from his deep respect for Takuro Yoshida, the artist he looks up to as a mentor.

Welcoming top-tier international musicians, he boldly reconstructs the original song’s folk sensibility into a weighty blues-rock sound.

The lyrical world, with its sharp gaze on society and humanity, intertwines with Hamada’s passionate vocals—no doubt moving many listeners.

Produced in October 1997 to celebrate Takuro Yoshida’s 50th birthday, the work also features Hamada himself on harmonica.

On a night when you run up against the walls of life, why not listen closely to this hard-hitting sound? You may find something to help you face tomorrow.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)May J.

May J. / Hanamizuki (short ver.)

It was released in 2004 as Yo Hitoto’s fifth single.

It reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is her biggest hit.

Because many viewers requested a CD release after May J.

performed it on television, it was included on her 2013 best album, “May J.

BEST – 7 Years Collection –.”