A classic song covered by major artists: cover versions of Spitz’s “Kaede.”
“Kaede,” a ballad by Spitz, is extremely popular.
With its heartrending lyrics, this song is incredibly captivating and has been covered by numerous artists.
You can probably think of a few artists who’ve covered it yourself, right? In this article, we’ll introduce many such covers—starting with the much-discussed versions and those included on Spitz’s compilation albums.
There are covers by a wide range of artists and vocalists, each transforming “Kaede” with their own unique color.
Give them a listen and see which one you like best!
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A famous song covered by major artists: Top 10 covers of Spitz’s “Kaede” (1–10)
MapleGoto Maki
This is the version sung by Maki Goto, who supported Morning Musume’s golden era and commands an overwhelming presence as a solo artist as well! Released in August 2022 as part of her own YouTube project, this piece is a gem.
The original song, released in 1998, is a treasured ballad by Spitz and well-loved as a TV drama theme.
With her crystal-clear voice, she breathes a new life into it—tender yet aching.
It’s a departure from the powerful impression of her idol days, moving instead with delicate breaths and a mature warmth that truly touches the heart.
The way she carefully weaves each word brings the scenes of parting into even sharper relief.
It’s a deeply resonant cover you’ll want to listen to alone on a long autumn night, when you feel like quietly losing yourself in thought.
MapleTakebuchi Kei × Kanda Rioka
This is a collaborative version featuring two accomplished singer-songwriters from the same music project, Kei Takebuchi and Rioka Kanda, layering their voices.
It’s an iconic ballad by Spitz, released as a single in 1998 and also included on the album “Fake Fur,” and the story of the two singing it at a secluded station in Nagano is also striking.
With a film inspired by the song slated for release in 2025, this work carries added anticipation.
The original’s sense of poignancy and loss resonates with a newfound warmth in their crystal-clear harmonies, as if they’re sharing memories.
This cover, which also connects to Takebuchi’s album “Kono Uta o Anata ni” (“This Song Is for You”), has an atmosphere that feels like an autumn breeze, and when you listen on a quiet night, it can make you feel as though your heart is being gently cleansed.
MapleNoda Megumi
This is a version by singer-songwriter Emi Noda, who rose to prominence through her activities on video-sharing platforms and has also provided theme songs for TV dramas.
Her hallmark gentle, empathetic voice tenderly envelops the poignant melody and lyrical worldview of the piece.
While preserving the delicate, ephemeral atmosphere of the original by Spitz, her clear, grounded vocals ring out powerfully in the chorus, stirring the heart just by listening.
Originally released as a video in March 2021, it was officially included on the album “THE COVERS EP vol.3,” released in November 2022.
While conveying respect for the original, this rendition is imbued with her own unique colors—perfect for a quiet night when you want to spend time alone.
A famous song covered by major artists: Covers of Spitz’s “Kaede” (11–20)
Maplesukotto māfī
This is the version by Scott Murphy, a singer-songwriter from Chicago who also performs as a member of MONOEYES alongside Hosomi from ELLEGARDEN.
It’s been transformed into a punkish number with a completely different vibe from the original! Even though the atmosphere is entirely different, the feeling embedded in the song rides firmly on the distinctive heat of punk.
MapleMatsutōya Yumi
Yumi Matsutoya, who is a great senior to Spitz, has also covered this song.
She sings it with Yumi’s distinctive vibe that could make you mistake it for one of her own songs.
The instrumentals also give off a stylish feel, offering a completely different way to enjoy it from Spitz’s version.
MapleKamisiraishi Moka
The actress who also drew attention in the Afternoon Tea commercial, the Moe Kamishiraishi version! While it has the fresh, innocent vibe of someone in their teens, the heartfelt way she sings is truly moving.
In line with the commercial’s tagline, her voice really makes you feel as though both your body and soul are being warmed.
MapleAsakura Saya
This is the Sayaka Asakura version—a singer-songwriter who also sings folk songs.
Since she has sung folk songs since childhood, the phrasing in the chorus especially evokes a folk-song vibe.
The overall feel of the performance flows with the same temperature as the original, reminiscent of a female version of Spitz.
However, the impact of the chorus instantly transforms it into distinctly her own song.