[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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[Japanese Pop Cover Songs] A Selection of Beloved Classics Popular in Both Their Original and Arranged Versions (101–110)
I look up as I walkSenju Riko
A classic song that represents Japan has been revived in a new form by a young artist.
“Walk forward so your tears don’t fall…”—these words hold the courage to face any hardship.
Riko Senju’s gentle, warm voice resonates as if embracing the listener’s heart.
Released in February 2024, this track blends nostalgia with freshness.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear especially when you’re feeling down or low on energy.
It’s also great for karaoke—sing it together, and you’re sure to feel uplifted.
My Dear EllieHirai Ken
It was released in 1979 as Southern All Stars’ third single.
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi” and continues to be sung today as one of the band’s signature songs.
It was covered and included on Ken Hirai’s third concept cover album, “Ken’s Bar III.” The song beautifully showcases Ken Hirai’s clear, falsetto vocals.
BoyhoodImawano Kiyoshirō
The original song is by Yosui Inoue.
Kiyoshiro Imawano, with a completely different character from Inoue’s distinctive vocals, delivers it in a light and poppy reggae-style arrangement.
Yet it also brings on that indescribable end-of-summer melancholy—a track with a uniquely captivating charm.
Cotton HandkerchiefHashimoto Ai
Released in 1975, this masterpiece by Hiromi Ohta is still sung and cherished by many artists today.
Actress Ai Hashimoto covers it on the popular one-take YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE.
Composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, the golden duo’s worldview is the very pinnacle of depth.
Hashimoto’s careful, deliberate, almost conversational delivery of each word is wonderful and reminds you anew of the power of song.
The moments when she seems overwhelmed and on the verge of tears are truly moving.
milk teaHata Motohiro
Motohiro Hata is covering UA’s song “Milk Tea.” Among UA’s tracks, it already has a mellow tone, and even her characteristically idiosyncratic singing feels a bit gentler in this one.
Hata’s version, however, arranges it to be even more subdued, tender, and sweet.
[Japanese pop covers] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular (111–120)
tear-coloredNoriko Sakai
It was released in 1997 as Noriko Sakai’s 30th single.
It was used as the ending theme for NTV’s NNN Kyo no Dekigoto, with lyrics and composition by Ryuichi Kawamura, who also produced the track.
Kawamura later self-covered the song on his 1997 solo album Love.
I want to see you.Tokunaga Hideaki
Hideaki Tokunaga has covered Chikaco Sawada’s song “Aitai.” Speaking of Tokunaga, his album “VOCALIST,” which features covers of various songs, was a huge hit.
I think his vocal range matches that of female vocalists, and it really suits the mood—it’s wonderful.