[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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KEI

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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.

Between the Sky and Youayaka

Ayaka / “Between the Sky and You” Music Video (Story 1)

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.

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.

Hello, Again ~ A Place That’s Been Around Since Long AgoJUJU

Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Always Been There~ (Ballad Ver.)

The original song is by My Little Lover.

It’s been arranged as a ballad, showcasing JUJU’s overwhelming vocal prowess.

Sung by a mature woman, it gains more depth than the original, conveying the strength of a woman moving toward the future and resonating deeply in the heart.

Beyond the GoodbyeMiura Yutaro

Sayonarano Mukougawa

Yutaro Miura is known for being the son of singer Momoe Yamaguchi, and he has now released a long-awaited cover album, “I’m HOME,” featuring only Momoe Yamaguchi’s songs.

It includes her signature song, “Across the Border of Goodbye.” After much inner conflict, he decided that carrying on his mother’s songs was his mission, which led to this release.

You can fully feel his resolve in the performances, and his faithful renditions of the originals likely moved many listeners across generations.

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Hane Keisuke

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