[Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular
You know how musicians sometimes perform covers of other musicians’ songs, right?
Sometimes there’s a single cover track at the end of an album, sometimes it’s performed on a TV show, or it’s part of a tribute album…
Cover songs are fun to listen to because they convey respect for the original artist while showcasing each musician’s own arrangement.
It’s amazing how much the same song can change depending on who’s singing it!
This article will introduce lots of such cover songs.
We’ve got everything from faithful renditions of the originals to arrangements that really highlight the covering musician’s individuality, so take your time and enjoy.
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- Acoustic versions of popular songs: a roundup of arrangements and cover tracks
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- Nagori-yuki: Popular Cover Song
- A classic song covered by major artists: cover versions of Spitz’s “Kaede.”
- [2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
- Iconic and popular songs sung by female artists: great cover versions
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
[Japanese Pop Cover Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and arranged versions are popular (71–80)
Between the Sky and Youayaka
Released in 1994 as Miyuki Nakajima’s 31st single, this song was used as the theme for the Nippon TV drama “Homeless Child,” became a million seller, and turned into her biggest hit.
In 2013, it was included on Ayaka’s first cover album, “Yūon Club ~1st grade~.” On digital platforms such as the iTunes Store, three tracks including this song were released in advance, generating buzz.
The Future Projection IIAcid Black Cherry
Acid Black Cherry covers Dreams Come True’s “Mirai Yosouzu II.” In the music video for this song, members of Acid Black Cherry appear in cosplay at key moments.
It doesn’t fit the MV’s storyline, which makes it amusing.
Pink SpiderRIZE
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
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.”
squallFukuyama Masaharu
It was released in 1999 as Eiko Matsumoto’s second single.
The song was used as an insert track for the drama “Perfect Love!” and was written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama.
In 1999, Fukuyama self-covered the song on his 14th single, “HEAVEN/Squall.” It was the first song he ever provided to another artist, and this was also his first self-cover.
single bedEuphoria
It was released in 1994 as Sharam Q’s sixth single.
Although it peaked at No.
9 on the Oricon chart, it continued as a long-running hit and became Sharam Q’s first million-seller.
In 2007, the rock band Euphoria covered the song.
This cover was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama series Tadano Hitoshi, the Special Mission Section Chief (Season 3).
Cécile’s Weekendaiko
Aiko has covered Yumi Matsutoya’s “Cécile’s Weekend,” and although the song’s lyrics differ from Aiko’s usual image, choosing this track felt very refreshing.
Still, Aiko’s gentle vibe and voice match the song beautifully, making it soothing to listen to.