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: Rediscovering hits through Japanese-language covers (71–80)
Human NatureMiura Daichi
A hit song by Michael Jackson, one of the most famous artists.
Daichi Miura included this song as the B-side of his first single.
He also performed it on stage to commemorate the release of the film “Michael Jackson: The Face of the King of Pop.” The original lyrics were based on a conversation between Steve Porcaro and his young daughter Heather, and were later rewritten by professional songwriter John Bettis into lyrics inspired by pedestrians in New York.
Born SlippyUVERworld
It’s really exciting to see a quintessential, era-defining techno track being covered.
UVERworld is a six-member band from Shiga Prefecture, a popular Japanese rock band that debuted in 2005.
Their cover of “Born Slippy,” the massive hit by Underworld that led the techno scene of the ’90s, brilliantly fuses their signature energetic rock with electronic elements.
The emotionally charged lyrics, vividly reflecting the struggles and joys of youth, are sure to move listeners.
This track, included on their 2014 album “0 CHOIR,” is one you should definitely experience live!
ENDLESS STORYItō Yuna
ENDLESS STORY, sung by Yuna Ito.
Since it was used as a movie’s theme song, I think many people know it.
With its beautiful melody and lyrics that pierce the heart, it has also become a staple wedding song.
In fact, this song is a cover of a Western track! The original is If I’m Not in Love With You, sung by Dawn Thomas.
Choosing to cover this song—which most people didn’t know at the time of its release—also shows real taste.
Change The WorldSatō Chikuyoshi
It’s a cover of an Eric Clapton classic.
Takezen’s voice is wonderful too, and I think this version is lovely in its own right.
I also like that it doesn’t change the original image too much.
Takezen has released many albums covering Western music.
Time After TimeMakihara Noriyuki
Time After Time is a timeless classic, cherished by many for its beautiful, resonant melody and wistful message.
In Japan, numerous artists have covered the song, and Noriyuki Makihara’s rendition, included on “Listen To The Music 2,” is a standout.
His gentle yet powerful vocals and delicate arrangement bring out the original’s charm to the fullest.
Said to have been born from the emotional distance between lovers, the song conveys the enduring strength of love that continues even when two people are apart.
Why not let Makihara’s voice, filled with tenderness for someone dear, bring you comfort as well?
Viva La VidaJUJU
While holding deep respect and admiration for Caron Wheeler and Lady Miss Kier, JUJU secured her place as a top singer by cherishing and singing in Japanese.
Among her representative works spanning a wide range of genres, her rendition of Viva La Vida—featured on her signature album Timeless and beloved in Japan—sparked major buzz at the time of its release as a work originally crafted by Coldplay.
Particularly striking is the sense of nostalgia for a once-glorious past, and the poignancy of its loss, as expressed in lyrics like “Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing.” Riding on orchestral-sounding arrangements, JUJU’s powerful yet delicate vocals seem to bare profound emotion.
It’s a song you’ll want to pause and listen to at many different junctures in life.
LIVE WIREVAMPS
VAMPS has had a major impact on Japan’s rock scene.
It’s a duo formed by hyde, the vocalist of L’Arc~en~Ciel, and guitarist K.A.Z.
They’ve left behind many great songs, but the one I’d like to highlight today is Live Wire.
It’s a cover of the song of the same name by Mötley Crüe, often called the gods of rock.
If possible, check out not only the studio version on CD but also their live performances.
Their stage presence is nothing short of breathtaking.