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)
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.”
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.
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.
Here Comes The SunHarada Tomoyo
The original is a classic by the Beatles, but Tomoyo Harada’s cover shines with a special brilliance of its own.
The lyrics, which evoke a hopeful future with the arrival of spring, gain even greater persuasion through her gentle vocals.
In 2023, to mark the 40th anniversary of her debut, Harada included this song on her cover album “Love Story 4: Musical Flight.” Set against a mellow acoustic sound, her vocals transcend language barriers and resonate deeply—an absolute must-hear.
Signaling the end of winter and hinting at new beginnings, this song is as tender as a spring breeze and will make you feel like taking a step forward with your face turned to the future.
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.