Western classic songs covered by Japanese artists. Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers.
How many examples can you think of where a Western hit song became a massive success in Japan after being covered with Japanese lyrics? In fact, there are more cases than you might expect where that tune you casually hum is actually a Japanese cover of a song by an overseas artist.
While preserving the original melody’s charm, the Japanese lyrics breathe new life into the music, and many of these works continue to be loved across generations.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of especially famous covers, as well as surprising hits that make you think, “Wait, this was originally a Western song?” Enjoy tracing the roots of the songs you know!
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Classic Western songs covered by Japanese artists: Hit tracks rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (61–70)
Stop! In the Name of Loveglobe
It’s a song featured in Sister Act 2.
It reminded me of how I used to love this movie and watched it often when I was little.
It’s a nostalgic track that brought back my childhood feelings, making me think, “Back then, I was so innocent and totally absorbed in the movie.”
LAST CHRISTMASEXILE
As Christmas approaches, you’ll hear it more often as background music in supermarkets and convenience stores.
It’s a song released in 1967 that’s frequently used as in-store BGM.
It’s the kind of tune that makes you feel fidgety, thinking, “I need to buy gifts and a cake!” or “Where should we go on a date?”
TRY ME ~Believe in Me~Amuro Namie/SUPER MONKEY’S
Speaking of Namie Amuro, many people associate her with covering a lot of Western music.
But there are actually quite a few famous songs of hers that not many realize are covers.
One of them is TRY ME ~Trust Me~, done by Namie Amuro and SUPER MONKEY’S.
It was a huge hit in discos, wasn’t it? This track is based on TRY ME by the American singer Lolita.
The melody is the same, but the nuance of the lyrics differs in places.
Be sure to pay attention to that, too.
500 milesLeyona
A song born in the United States in the 1960s.
Kiyoshiro Imawano wrote the Japanese lyrics.
When I listen to this song, I feel somehow at ease.
No matter how far away you are, if you keep walking, you will surely reach the place you’re aiming for.
It encourages you: “So don’t stop moving forward.”
A whole new world withkurisu haato & May J
Originally the theme song from Disney’s movie Aladdin.
With the two voices, it feels as if you’re being drawn into a completely different world.
It’s a song infused with the singers’ souls.
I first heard this track in my car on the way home from work.
I remember being utterly exhausted, and this song really lifted my spirits.
Toy soldiersKirari
When I first heard it, I thought, “What interesting lyrics.” I’d randomly opened a book and found the song’s lyrics on the first page, and when I looked closely, I realized they were really good.
The singer is Kirari, who also appeared in GTO starring Takashi Sorimachi.
Her beautiful voice helps make it a song that’s beyond words.
Don’t look back in angerGLAY
It’s a cover of the legendary British rock band Oasis, but GLAY’s soulful performance gives it a new brilliance.
Included on the album “rare collectives vol.4,” released in March 2011, this song is a moving piece that sings of the courage to move forward without being bound by the past.
GLAY’s signature powerful sound and vocalist TERU’s emotionally rich singing capture the spirit of the track perfectly.
You’ll be amazed at how GLAY, a four-piece band from Hakodate, Hokkaido, has made this British classic so thoroughly their own.
Also featured in the film “BECK,” this is a must-listen not only for fans of the original but also for fans of GLAY.