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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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.

[Japanese Cover Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular (91–100)

At all times.Scott Murphy

Scott Murphy (ex-ALLiSTER) – No Matter When.

At all times.Scott Murphy

The original song is by Noriyuki Makihara.

An American musician has covered this hugely popular Japanese motivational anthem with a fast-paced rock arrangement.

Hearing the song during their first visit to Japan sparked an interest in Japanese music, leading them to cover many other J-pop tracks and release their own works as well.

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Eyes Are DiamondTRICERATOPS

TRICERATOPS Eyes Are Like Diamonds

Eyes Are DiamondTRICERATOPS

The original song is by Seiko Matsuda.

In a complete departure from the very delicate original, it’s been transformed into a light, poppy band sound.

It’s filled with a refreshing sense of exhilaration that seems to clear away a troubled maiden’s heart, and it’s a superb arrangement that brings out another charm the song possesses.

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Cécile’s Weekendaiko

aiko Cecil's Weekend

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.

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Snow Blossomtsuruno takeshi

Takeshi Tsuruno “Yuki no Hana” MV

Snow Blossomtsuruno takeshi

Tsuyoshi Tsuruno has covered Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana.” The song has some quite high parts, but he hits the notes well and really delivers the performance.

He covers songs across various genres—rock, pop, and more—probably because he has strong vocal ability.

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Good night, crybaby; farewell, songstress.Aina ji Endo

[Aina The End (BiSH) sings CreepHyp] “Good Night, Crying Voice; Farewell, Songstress” Full Ver. (CreepHyp’s Subete Exhibition @ Ikebukuro PARCO, open until 10/8)

Good night, crybaby; farewell, songstress.Aina ji Endo

This is CreepHyp’s first single, released in 2012.

As part of the 2018 exhibition “CreepHyp’s Subete—Lend Us Your Lyrics, Let Us Visualize Them,” it was covered by Aina the End, who has been making great strides both with BiSH and as a solo artist.

With her overwhelmingly unique expressive power, Aina captivates many listeners.

While the fragile, beautiful world drawn solely by the vocals feels tight around the chest, it also conveys a strength that makes you face yourself.

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KanadeKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi covers Sukima Switch’s “Kanade” a cappella! “The Favorite Songs Vol. 1: ‘Kanade’” #MoneKamishiraishi

KanadeKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi is not only an actress but also actively works as a singer.

In addition to her own original songs, she has performed a wide range of cover songs over the years, and one I’d like to highlight is her cover of Sukima Switch’s “Kanade.” A video of her performing the song a cappella has been uploaded to YouTube, and many viewers were likely astonished by the power of her vocals.

Her pure, unadorned, beautiful voice and the emotion she pours into her singing have a captivating charm that grips people’s hearts.

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Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Nada Sousou (Tears Flowing) Subtitled in Spanish

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

Written by Ryoko Moriyama (lyrics) and composed by BEGIN, this song was included on Ryoko Moriyama’s 1998 album “TIME IS LONELY.” It was covered by Rimi Natsukawa as her third single in 2001, and although it climbed slowly, it continued to be a hit for over three years starting in 2002.

With cumulative sales surpassing 1.2 million copies, it became a million-selling track.

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