[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 (101–110)
I want to see you.Koyanagi Yuki
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.
Rock ‘n’ Roll WidowShishido Kafuka
Kafka Shishido has covered Momoe Yamaguchi’s “Rock’n Roll Widow.” It was a digital-only release.
She’s a drummer who isn’t part of a band, and her unique style is to sing while playing the drums.
She’s a cool woman, and that image fits this song perfectly—it’s awesome.
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.
BibleOikawa Mitsuhiro
This is Yasuyuki Okamura’s “Bible” sung by Micchi.
It’s a perfect song choice for Micchi’s character, but, if anything, it still falls short of the original Okamura’s clingy, sultry vibe.
Compared to the original, the quirks feel more toned down, and it leaves me a little unsatisfied…
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.
