[Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular

SenbonzakuraAbe Mao

Mao Abe – Senbonzakura (Official Lyric Video [from MY INNER CHILD MUSEUM])

When you hear “Senbonzakura,” you think of the Vocaloid track originally written and composed by Kurousa-P.

It was also covered by Wagakki Band, which helped the song gain popularity among listeners who don’t usually listen to Vocaloid.

In both the original and the Wagakki Band cover, the sound work pushes a distinctly ‘wa-rock’ (Japanese rock) vibe to the forefront, but in Mao Abe’s cover, the stronger, her-signature rock flavor in the production really stands out.

Her powerful vocals also suit the song’s atmosphere perfectly!

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Hane Keisuke

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Poem of ImagesHamada Shogo

Poem of Images (Music Video)

This is a cover project by Shogo Hamada, born from his deep respect for Takuro Yoshida, the artist he looks up to as a mentor.

Welcoming top-tier international musicians, he boldly reconstructs the original song’s folk sensibility into a weighty blues-rock sound.

The lyrical world, with its sharp gaze on society and humanity, intertwines with Hamada’s passionate vocals—no doubt moving many listeners.

Produced in October 1997 to celebrate Takuro Yoshida’s 50th birthday, the work also features Hamada himself on harmonica.

On a night when you run up against the walls of life, why not listen closely to this hard-hitting sound? You may find something to help you face tomorrow.

Beard and BoobsTRICERATOPS

TRICERATOPS @ Kashiwa 2014.11.29

TRICERATOPS is covering UNICORN’s “Hige to Boin.” An album with the same title, “Hige to Boin,” has also been released.

Albums usually include singles, but in this case there were no singles; it was a collection of newly written tracks.

Shopping BoogieUA

UA (Ua) · Kaikimono Boogie (Shopping Boogie)

This is a cover by UA, known for her distinctive vocals, of a song originally released in 1950.

Set to a lively boogie-woogie rhythm, it humorously depicts a shopping trip at the market in Osaka dialect.

No fewer than forty different products appear one after another, and the repeated call-and-response of “Ossan!” leaves a strong impression.

Included on the album KABA, released in June 2010, this track draws out new charm through UA’s unique singing.

Though it centers on the familiar theme of everyday shopping, the witty lyrics and singular vocal style make it a thoroughly entertaining listen.

FriendsDēmon Kakka

Demon Kakka Friends

Demon Kogure has covered REBECCA’s “Friends.” Since Demon can hit high notes, he’s released an album covering songs originally sung by female vocalists.

This track has a slightly metal twist as well, which felt fresh.

Cheer up!Shimatani Hitomi

Hitomi Shimatani / “Cheer Up” [OFFICIAL MV FULL SIZE]

This song was written and composed by Mariya Takeuchi, and the original version was included on Hiroko Yakushimaru’s first album “Kokonshū,” released in 1984.

In 2003, it was released as Hitomi Shimatani’s 11th single.

Shimatani’s style of giving classic hits a pop arrangement was put to good use, resulting in a colorful rendition, and with this song she made her second appearance at the 2003 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

stationJUJU

station

This is a song covered by JUJU that was originally a signature track by Mariya Takeuchi.

While preserving the original’s pleasant atmosphere, JUJU’s R&B-inflected vocal style blends in seamlessly, bringing out a new charm.

Released in October 2016, the arrangement—incorporating elements of jazz and soul—is exquisite and resonates deeply with listeners.

Play it during a night drive or a quiet moment, and you’ll be wrapped in JUJU’s captivating voice and the song’s warm ambiance, enjoying a soothing, peaceful time.