Spitz’s classic songs covered by popular artists
Speaking of Spitz, they’re such a staple in Japan’s music scene that their songs have even appeared in music textbooks.
They have so many popular tracks that you might think, “Is there anyone who’s never heard their music at all?”
They’re loved not only by listeners but by many musicians as well, and plenty of artists openly call themselves fans.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs of theirs that have been covered by these popular artists.
We’ve picked out their signature tracks that are frequently covered, as well as some hidden gem covers—be sure to give them a listen!
Spitz’s classic songs covered by popular artists (1–10)
Robinson9mm Parabellum Bullet
A cover by the four-piece rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet.
While retaining the original’s breezy, floating feel and its distinctive guitar arpeggios, it’s arranged with an intense rock sound.
The result is so polished it makes you feel the song might have been intended for this style from the start, and the straightforward, no-frills arrangement delivers exactly what you’d hope for when going heavier—without betraying expectations.
spiderSukima Suichi
It wasn’t a slow-tempo ballad or a high-tempo rock song—Sukima Switch covered a song called “Spider” that has a unique atmosphere.
I feel like their slightly idiosyncratic vocal style blends well with the song’s distinctive world.
Which do you prefer, the original or this cover?
MapleBENI
This is a boldly reimagined version with entirely English lyrics by BENI, the bilingual songstress from Okinawa.
While retaining the original song’s heart-wrenching poignancy, it’s refined with an R&B flavor.
Arranged by mabanua, the track has been elevated into a mature ballad that melts seamlessly into a city night.
It’s included on the popular cover album “COVERS 3,” released in December 2013, and this series became a record-breaking hit with total sales surpassing one million copies.
Different from Spitz’s original, the smooth resonance unique to English lyrics and her lustrous vocals are so pleasing—you’ll want to play this one for a relaxing solo night.
harborUru
A cover by Uru, a female singer-songwriter who debuted in 2016.
Unlike the original, which features intricately interwoven guitar strumming and arpeggios along with a rolling bassline, this version is arranged for just vocals and piano.
Its simplicity highlights the beauty of the melody, allowing listeners to enjoy a different facet of the original song.
GrasshopperASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Asian Kung-Fu Generation’s cover of “Grasshopper.” The intro and other parts largely follow Spitz’s version.
The main sonic differences are the swirling synthesizer and a slightly slower tempo.
But the biggest surprise is that the chorus isn’t sung by Gotch—guitarist Kensuke Kita takes the lead.
This gives it an unmistakable Masamune Kusano-from-Spitz vibe! Originally included on a tribute album, this cover exudes deep respect for the original.
Start walking, CloverNICO Touches the Walls
NICO Touches the Walls has openly said they started writing songs after listening to Spitz’s “Robinson,” so a tribute expressing their gratitude is a perfect fit.
You can really feel, just from listening, that they poured everything into making this song their own as NICO Touches the Walls.
For example, both versions use tambourine, but it’s surprising how differently the two artists come across just from the way it’s used.
A work packed with the appeal of cover songs!
MapleCrystal Kay
This is the version sung by Crystal Kay, who has been active on the front lines since her debut at 13.
Featured at the very beginning of her first cover album, “I SING,” released in April 2021, this track offers a fresh, synth-driven electronic arrangement that contrasts with the original.
Arranged by Kazuhiko Maeda, the warm yet dance-influenced sound design brings out the charm of her voice.
Beneath the poignancy, a core strength quietly emerges, making it perfect for a night drive or moments of solitary reflection.
Savor a sophisticated, urban atmosphere that’s distinct from Spitz’s take.
MapleUeda Momoka
A singer-songwriter who has won numerous singing audition shows and drawn attention for her “soothing voice,” Monaka Ueda delivers a stripped-down, solo acoustic rendition.
The original is a classic by Spitz released in 1998, but her cover further brings out the poignancy of the lyrics’ world.
In the video released in October 2021, each word is carefully woven over a simple performance with just an acoustic guitar.
Although Monaka Ueda has an extensive track record of original work—including composing the theme song for the Chunichi Dragons support program “Doranavi”—here her true-to-life expressiveness shines.
It’s something I’d recommend to those who want to quietly sink into their memories at dusk or in a slightly chilly season.
A gentle singing voice that warms the heart just by listening.
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.
MapleHana＊Hana
This is a cover version by Hana*Hana, a female duo from Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture.
It’s characterized by a simple setup consisting only of Makiko Ono’s piano, Izumi Kojima’s melodica, and their two voices.
Preserving the original song’s poignancy, the arrangement conveys a warmth and depth of life that are distinctly theirs.
Born from a live project, it was released digitally in February 2024 and later included on the album “Good Song Laboratory,” released in August of the same year.
The piece also carries a sense of “returning the favor,” as Spitz had previously covered a Hana*Hana song.
It’s perfect for savoring heartwarming harmonies alone on a quiet night.