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

I look up as I walkSaitō Kazuyoshi

Theme song by Kazuyoshi Saito confirmed! Trailer for the collaborative film “You Within a One-Meter Radius: Let’s Look Up and Walk,” featuring a popular actor × Yoshimoto talent × creators

A legendary song etched in the history of Japanese music that reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

In 2021, Kazuyoshi Saito covered it as the theme song for the film “Within a One Meter Radius: Keep Your Head Up.” Paired with a movie that carries the wish to uplift people through entertainment, Saito’s signature refreshing passion resonates in the heart.

While the rock ’n’ roll vibe is a touch restrained, it’s a youthful song that makes you want to get moving—a track with a clean, invigorating feel!

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Come, spring.Makihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara Haru yo, Koi

The original song is by Yumi Matsutoya.

This arrangement is quintessential J-pop.

Sung by a man with a soft, translucent voice, it exudes a completely different charm.

Noriyuki Makihara has said he was greatly influenced by Yuming, and he has released several other works covering her songs.

I want to see you.Koyanagi Yuki

Yuki Koyanagi — I Want to See You

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.

threadHirahara Ayaka

Thread Ayaka Hirahara

Miyuki Nakajima’s 35th double A-side single, “Inochi no Betsumei / Ito,” was released in 1998.

Both songs were used as theme songs for the TBS drama series “Seija no Koushin.” Initially, the already-released “Ito” was used, and from episode 5 onward—coinciding with the single’s release—it was replaced with the new song “Inochi no Betsumei.” Ayaka Hirahara covered the songs in 2016 during “Utaenishi – Miyuki Nakajima RESPECT LIVE 2015.”

Snow BlossomTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga - Snow Flowers

It was released in 2003 as Mika Nakashima’s 10th single.

The song was used in Meiji Seika’s “boda” and “galbo” commercials, in which Nakashima herself appeared, and it became a winter standard hit.

Hideaki Tokunaga covered it on his second cover album, “VOCALIST 2,” released in 2006, and it was issued as an advance single.

Morning will come againLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] DREAMS COME TRUE / Morning Comes Again (cover)

A single by Dreams Come True released in 1999.

It’s a timeless classic you still often hear on the radio.

In 2015, Little Glee Monster—whose outstanding vocal and expressive abilities have been winning them more fans each year—covered it on the tribute album “Watashi to DREAMS COME TRUE 2 – DCT WONDERLAND 2015 Memorial BEST COVERS -” and in their live shows.

While preserving the original’s bright, uplifting worldview, they infused it with Little Glee Monster’s own fresh harmonies, giving it a disco-like yet slightly mellow vibe.

And of course, it’s fun to hear the interplay among the members’ distinct voices, each with its own unique feel!

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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 –.”