[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 Classic Hits Popular in Both the Original and Arranged Versions (11–20)
Shadows of YouthFukuyama Masaharu
With blue skies, gentle spring breezes, and a shimmering sun, this refreshing song feels like a page of youth coming to life before your eyes.
Sung by Masaharu Fukuyama, it’s a cover of a classic by Tulip and was included on the 2002 album “The Golden Oldies.” The lyrics, which look back on young love and evoke a sense of growth and change, resonate deeply.
Many listeners will surely be moved by the portrayal of that transitional moment when knowing love brings tears, and the joy of romance shifts into the sternness of love.
Fukuyama’s expressive vocals and the acoustic arrangement create a warmly nostalgic atmosphere.
The one who rings that bell is you / Crazy Ken BandCRAZY KEN BAND
This song, with its powerful melody that pierces the listener’s heart, is, as you know, a cover of Akiko Wada’s classic.
Many artists have covered it, but most of those covers are by male artists, and this one as well is a cool cover by Crazy Ken Band, showcasing a wild, full-on masculine vibe.
The summer you gave mekobasolo
A song that beautifully portrays bittersweet young love and summer memories has been given new life by the popular YouTuber Kobasolo.
With the warm sound of acoustic guitar and a polished production, this striking arrangement preserves the charm of the original track—released in 2015 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama Koinaka—while adding Kobasolo’s own unique interpretation.
The lyrics, which fondly recall a summer romance now past, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
It’s a work where the ache of looking back on lost love coexists with the hope of a new beginning.
A perfect song to play at summer’s end.
dogwood (flowering dogwood)Aragaki Yui
Hanamizuki, a classic by Yo Hitoto that became the most-sung song of the Heisei era and is beloved at karaoke, was covered by Yui Aragaki—primarily known as an actress—in 2010 as the theme song for the film Hanamizuki, in which she starred.
The cover was included on her third album, Niji.
Her voice is crystal clear, yet you can feel a strong core running through it.
It has Yui Aragaki’s characteristic gentle aura—almost angelic—and listening to it feels purifying to the soul.
You don’t listen to rock.Moriuchi Hiroki
Hiro, the vocalist of MY FIRST STORY, made his solo debut in 2021 by releasing the cover album “Sing;est” under his real name, Hiroki Moriuchi.
One of the tracks included is Aimyon’s “Marigold.” While the arrangement stays largely faithful to the original, it incorporates more rock band–like elements at key moments, and his signature husky, sultry voice is featured to the fullest.
It’s a cover that really lets you appreciate just how strong his vocal abilities are.
YELLkurisu haato
Sung by Chris Hart, this piece is a heartwarming encouragement song crafted by Ikimono-gakari’s Yoshiki Mizuno.
With themes of parting and new beginnings, its gentle yet powerful melody resonates deeply.
Included on the 2014 album “Heart Song II,” this cover captured the hearts of many listeners.
Beloved across generations as a song that accompanies graduations and life’s milestones, Chris’s rich vocals gently support those stepping toward the future.
It’s a track we especially recommend to anyone about to take a new step forward.
[Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits popular in both their original and arranged versions (21–30)
to youHAN-KUN
This is a cover of MONGOL800’s classic “Anata ni” by HUN-KUN, the vocalist from the Japanese reggae group Shonan no Kaze.
Originally a melodic hardcore classic, this version is arranged with a reggae ska rhythm, making the melody stand out even more than in the original.
The call-and-response ad-libs also do a fantastic job of boosting the vibe!
