Southern All Stars’ classic ballad, “Itoshi no Ellie.” Keisuke Kuwata’s husky voice pairs beautifully with the gentle, soothing melody—truly a masterpiece among masterpieces! It’s a signature song of the J-pop scene, but it’s also remarkably popular overseas.
Believe it or not, it’s been covered by Ray Charles and The Ventures! Of course, many top-tier musicians in Japan have covered it as well, and the versions introduced in this article are all outstanding.
Be sure to listen through to the end.
- [The Spirit of Japan] A special feature on Southern All Stars’ classic hits. Gemlike songs
- “Cherry” Popular Cover Songs
- Spitz’s classic songs covered by popular artists
- A classic song covered by major artists: cover versions of Spitz’s “Kaede.”
- Great covers of classic and popular songs sung by male artists
- Southern All Stars Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Irresistible Tracks [2026]
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- Acoustic versions of popular songs: a roundup of arrangements and cover tracks
- [Songs That Make You Popular] Sing these to be a hit! Women’s karaoke songs
- Karaoke songs that make it easy for women to score high
- [Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular
- A cover of the genre-defying classic “Konya wa Boogie-Back.”
That overseas musician too!? Popular cover versions of “Itoshi no Ellie” (1–10)
Ellie My LoveRay Charles
Here’s the version the great Ray Charles covered in 1989.
In Japan, it was even used in a whiskey commercial.
When we think of covers, it’s usually lesser-known artists singing famous songs, but in this case it was a cover by a deeply respected elder, and it’s said Keisuke Kuwata was delighted.
My Dear EllieBENI
BENI is a Japanese female singer.
In this version of “Itoshi no Ellie,” she sings in English.
Her voice, both clear and powerful like that of an international artist, really leaves an impression.
This “Itoshi no Ellie,” brimming with feminine strength, is wonderful too.
It’s a very pleasant cover to listen to.
My Dear EllieATSUSHI
ATSUSHI is the vocalist of EXILE.
He’s a singer renowned for his outstanding vocal ability, to the point of holding solo concerts.
In “Itoshi no Ellie,” his arrangement makes the song feel uniquely his own.
His voice truly shines in ballads.
He skillfully switches between power and gentleness in his singing.
It’s a cover that gently envelops the listener, making it an incredibly pleasant listen.
My Dear EllieUru
Uru is characterized by a carefree, completely unthorned, soft and gentle singing voice.
I feel that the ballad “Itoshi no Ellie,” overflowing with kindness, suits her perfectly.
It’s a cover that conveys a pure, straightforward feeling of loving someone important.
My Dear EllieHirahara Ayaka
Having risen to fame with “Jupiter” and showcased her distinctive worldview through her tie-in with the film “Mary Poppins Returns,” the beloved singer Ayaka Hirahara continues to captivate audiences.
With “Itōshi no Ellie,” she brings her own touch, crafting a new world for the song through a jazz-tinged arrangement.
It’s a cover that makes you feel like dancing with someone special.
My Dear EllieNOKKO
Here’s the version covered by NOKKO of Rebecca, released in 2010.
It features an arrangement with lots of layered choruses, and it’s a track where you can fully enjoy NOKKO’s superb vocal prowess—glossy, soaring, and a powerful high tone that shines no matter what song she sings.
My Dear EllieMiyamoto Hiroji
Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi covers various songs with his own interpretations.
It’s said that he sings each song over and over until he truly makes it his own.
The slightly blunt, unpolished feel—like deliberately singing “Ellie” with Japanese pronunciation—comes across as simple and, in a way, conveys his emotions more directly, which I find very appealing.