[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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[Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits popular in both their original and arranged versions (21–30)
frecklesDēmon Kakka
The original song is by JUDY AND MARY.
It’s been given a very hardcore arrangement by His Excellency Demon, whose personality seems completely opposite to the original.
The imbalance of delivering cute lyrics with a high-pitched voice feels fresh and captivating.
Even with the key lowered, the vocal ability to fully perform a song originally for a female vocalist is impressive.
Ballad of a SingerBank Band
Kazutoshi Sakurai of Bank Band covered a song that was originally released in 1997 as Kazuyoshi Saito’s 15th single.
It is included on Bank Band’s second album, Oishi Sōai 2, was performed at BGM Vol.
2 and ap bank fes ’07, and was also performed on the TV show Music Station.
TouchYunna
It was released in 1985 as Yoshimi Iwasaki’s 20th single.
It became a long-running hit as the first opening theme song for the anime Touch, which aired on the Fuji TV network, and it remains a staple cheer song in high school baseball.
Younha is active in both Japan and South Korea, and she released a cover single of the same song in 2005.
Her version has a more rock-oriented arrangement than the original.
Journey of the HeartGO!GO!7188
This is a cover song by the rock band GO!GO!7188.
They powerfully express the original track’s bittersweet farewell scene with their own punk-style arrangement.
It was included on the album “Tora no Ana 2,” released in July 2007, and received high praise from fans.
Known as a work that showcases the band’s broad musical range, it stays fresh by respecting the original melody while adding a distinctive twist.
It’s a song we recommend to anyone grappling with a breakup or the emotional distance from someone important.
Through GO!GO!7188’s unique interpretation, you’re sure to rediscover the charm of the original.
I Love YouUtada Hikaru
The original song is by Yutaka Ozaki.
A leading songstress of Japan delivers a cover with overwhelming vocal power of a signature track by this legendary artist.
With a voice that blends strength and delicacy and bears true originality, she expresses the original song’s poignancy to the fullest extent.
TATTOKiyoharu
Kiyoharu has covered Akina Nakamori’s “TATTOO.” Akina Nakamori looked cool dancing in a sexy outfit in the original, and Kiyoharu also sings it with a sexy vibe.
The music video for this song is really cool as well, and it’s a rendition that stands up to the original.
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyOnitsuka Chihiro
The original song is by Momoe Yamaguchi.
The lyrics have been remade, but the overall feel stays very close to the original and gives a simple impression.
Chihiro Onitsuka is known for her strong individuality, yet her calm, measured delivery—grounded in a solid understanding of the lyrics’ meaning—conveys a sincere intent to weave the words with care.