[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.
- Great covers of classic and popular songs sung by male artists
- “Romantic Flight” - Popular Cover Song
- Farewell Message: Popular Cover Songs
- “All About Youth” Popular Cover Song
- Acoustic versions of popular songs: a roundup of arrangements and cover tracks
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- [2026] Crowd-Pleasing Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics
- That popular voice actor is doing that song!? A roundup of cover songs by voice actors
- 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
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
[Japanese Pop Cover Songs] A Selection of Beloved Classics Popular in Both Their Original and Arranged Versions (81–90)
dogwood (flowering dogwood)May J.
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 –.”
Beyond the GoodbyeMiura Yutaro
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.
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.
Sad songWada Akiko
Akiko Wada’s cover is captivating for its soulful, powerful vocals.
It stands apart from the original’s cute, poppy vibe, resulting in an arrangement highlighted by a dazzling horn section.
Her performance conveys a determination to move forward even while bearing sadness, and it’s sure to resonate with listeners.
The track was included on the 1998 album “DYNAMITE-A-GO-GO!!!”.
With an interpretation only the Queen of R&B, Akiko Wada, could deliver, it’s a song that supports those trying to overcome the pain of a broken heart.
It’s especially recommended for times when you’re feeling down or want to lift your head and take a step forward.