A classic song covered by major artists: cover versions of Spitz’s “Kaede.”

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

“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!

A famous song covered by major artists. Covers of Spitz’s “Kaede” (21–30)

MapleHikigatari no Tama

“Kaede” - Spitz ✩ I, the strongest lolicon on Niconico Live, tried singing with someone younger ✩ Tama (noisy-faced acoustic performance)

MapleHikigatari no Tama

This is a male-and-female acoustic version of “Kaede.” Unlike Masamune Kusano’s somewhat ephemeral, bittersweet impression, this one feels powerful.

The male-female harmonies are compelling, and you can enjoy the song’s appeal in a way that feels different from Spitz.

Splitting the parts between male and female voices creates a nice sense of contrast.

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MapleBEBE

[Touching CM] Woman tried singing / Spitz / Kaede / Covered by BEBE /

MapleBEBE

This is a female vocalist version of ‘Kaede.’ What stands out is artist BEBE’s clear, refreshing voice that slips easily into your ears.

It also has a light, catchy feel that makes you want to listen again and again.

It’s expressed through BEBE’s own worldview, different from Masamune Kusano’s.

The simple guitar sound is soothing, too.

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A timeless classic covered by major artists. Spitz “Kaede” cover songs (31–40)

MapleKazusa

Kazusa / Spitz “Kaede” (cover)

MapleKazusa

This is Kazusa’s song.

It’s performed with a simple arrangement of piano and wind chimes.

Rather than trying to imitate the original, Kazusa sings with a unique twist, though I can’t help feeling she resembles someone in some way.

Still, I was impressed by how she’s made this song, Kaede, completely her own.

I think it would be even better if the breathing, placement of breaths, and breathing technique were adjusted.

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MapleTakarabe Ryoji, Asagii-n-yo & Nakamura Korosuke

[With Full Lyrics] “Kaede” Spitz / Acoustic cover - Ryoji Takarabe, Asagi-nyo & Korosuke Nakamura

MapleTakarabe Ryoji, Asagii-n-yo & Nakamura Korosuke

It’s a song by Ryoji Takarabe, Asagino, and Korosuke Nakamura.

It feels like a faithful cover of the original, and their straightforward singing left a good impression.

I think it’s great how they bring out the charm of the song “Kaede” and try to convey it as is.

The simple arrangement is appealing, and the tonal qualities of the female and male voices match well, creating beautiful harmony.

Highly recommended.

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In conclusion

We introduced various artists’ covers of Spitz’s “Kaede.” I think the covers by Superfly and by Motohiro Hata are well known, and there were plenty of popular artists beyond that too, like Moka Kamishiraishi and Yumi Matsutoya, whose versions were even used in commercials.

Each cover adds its own personality and gives a different impression.

Please find your own favorite version of “Kaede.”