[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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- 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
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[Japanese Pop Cover Songs] A Selection of Beloved Classics Popular in Both Their Original and Arranged Versions (81–90)
I want to see you.Koyanagi Yuki
Released in 1990 as Chikaco Sawada’s eighth single, this song was included on her fourth album, “I miss you.” It became a million-selling hit and her biggest success.
Yuki Koyanagi covered it on her 2003 cover album “KOYANAGI the COVERS PRODUCT 2,” where it was included.
BibleOikawa Mitsuhiro
This is Yasuyuki Okamura’s “Bible” sung by Micchi.
It’s a perfect song choice for Micchi’s character, but, if anything, it still falls short of the original Okamura’s clingy, sultry vibe.
Compared to the original, the quirks feel more toned down, and it leaves me a little unsatisfied…
threadATSUSHI
The original song is by Miyuki Nakajima.
In a complete shift from EXILE’s usual image, they deliver a flawless rendition of this exquisite ballad.
Even though it’s a song originally for a female vocalist, they handle the high notes with ease, moving listeners deeply.
It’s a cover that exudes warmth and gentleness.
Mermaid of ReminiscenceMUCC
MUCC covered THE YELLOW MONKEY’s “Tsuioku no Mermaid.” Before THE YELLOW MONKEY reunited, a tribute album was released, and MUCC covered this song on it.
It seems they basically chose the songs they wanted to perform from the band’s catalog.
The Last RainMs. OOJA
Originally released in 1992 as Yasushi Nakanishi’s second single, the song was later included on Ms.OOJA’s 2011 single “Dilemma ~I’m your side~.” Although it initially peaked at No.
16 on the Oricon chart, it became a long-running hit, selling 900,000 copies by 1998 and becoming one of Yasushi Nakanishi’s signature songs.
Angel’s WinkPUFFY
PUFFY covered Seiko Matsuda’s “Angel’s Wink,” and their individuality really comes through.
I love how they don’t try to imitate the original at all (lol).
The guitar interlude has a bit of a “Summertime Blues” vibe.
It’s an upbeat arrangement you won’t find in the original.
[Japanese Cover Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular (91–100)
If I Could Play the PianoPlastic Tree
Plastic Tree covered Toshiyuki Nishida’s “Moshimo Piano ga Hiketanara.” It was released as a single together with their other cover song, The Pees’ “Baka ni Natta noni.” Unlike the mellow feel of the original, this version has an upbeat vibe.