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)
DesperadoKOKIA
It’s a cover of the Eagles.
Many artists besides KOKIA have covered this song, but I think KOKIA’s excellent pronunciation and skill are by far the best among them.
It’s been put together in a really cool way, and the wonderful atmosphere is irresistible.
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.
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.
Western pop classics covered by Japanese artists: Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (81–90)
Baby LoveEvery Little Thing
When I listen to this song, I’m overwhelmed with the feeling of “I want to see her right now!” It’s a love song filled with emotions that make you think, “I want to stay by the side of the person I cherish forever and ever.” If you haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen.
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?
SatisfactionToki Asako
The rock classic Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones was covered by Asako Toki, former vocalist of Cymbals.
Satisfaction topped both the U.S.
and U.K.
singles charts and is said to have sold over five million copies worldwide.
Influenced by her father, jazz saxophonist Hidefumi Toki, Asako included the cover on her jazz standards album STANDARDS, and its string quartet–style arrangement is a fascinating departure from the original.
Be sure to compare it with the original track!
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.