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)
DESPERADOHirai Ken
I covered a classic by Glenn Frey.
It’s a perfect song for days when you want to relax.
In my case, I first came across this song on the night of my first heartbreak.
When I turned on the radio and listened, I felt like I gradually recovered from the breakup.
With its calm rhythm, it’s a song that lets you slowly heal your heart.
Love does not sleepShiina Megumi
Ai wa Nemuranai (Love Never Sleeps), a Japanese cover of Olivia Newton-John’s classic Have You Never Been Mellow—also well known in Japan by its localized title Soyokaze no Yūwaku—was performed by Megumi Shiina.
Centered on themes of the strength of love, loneliness, and hope, her crystal-clear vocals captivate listeners without fail.
Released in 1986 and used as the theme song for the drama Who Will Wear the Wedding Dress?, the track is counted among Shiina’s signature songs.
Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics softly embrace a weary heart.
It’s a timeless standard that stays close to the feelings of someone thinking of the one they love.
Unajū (I need you)Majima Masatoshi
They’re covering The Kinks’ “I NEED YOU” with uniquely Japanese lyrics.
I’m amazed by Mercy’s sense in turning “I need you” (which sounds like “ai nyū jū” in Japanese) into “unajū” (grilled eel over rice).
I honestly think it ended up sounding cooler than the original.
Western pop classics covered by Japanese artists: Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (81–90)
Emily is a playgirl.ORIGINAL LOVE
The legendary Japanese rock band, ORIGINAL LOVE.
Many music fans probably spent their youth with the songs they created.
In recent years, ’90s music has been drawing attention among young people, so some may have discovered them through that trend.
One of ORIGINAL LOVE’s hidden gems is Emily Is a Playgirl.
It’s a cover of the song of the same name performed by Pink Floyd.
If you compare the two, you’ll notice the ORIGINAL LOVE version has a stronger rock flavor.
Sans toi, mamieRC sakuseshon
This is a cover of Adamo included on the album “COVERS,” which I released in 1988.
I really want you to listen to this album—it’s full of masterpieces.
Fubuki Koshiji had covered this song, but her lyrics were from a woman’s perspective, so I rewrote them from a man’s point of view.
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.
Run awayAsakura Miki
When I first heard it, I thought, “I’ve heard this when I was little!” but I just couldn’t remember where.
Turns out it’s Bon Jovi’s debut song.
It felt both nostalgic and a bit old-fashioned.
The lyrics are lovely, and I never get tired of listening to it.