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!
- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- [Covers of Japanese Songs] A selection of classic hits where both the original and the arranged versions are popular
- Iconic and popular songs sung by female artists: great cover versions
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- Back to those nostalgic days… Classic and hit Western songs of the 1960s
- Great covers of classic and popular songs sung by male artists
- “All About Youth” Popular Cover Song
- “Kanade” Popular Cover Songs
- Recommended Western music for men in their 50s: world classics and popular songs
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- [Anytime] Popular cover songs
- [Captivating] A Collection of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2026]
Western pop classics covered by Japanese artists: Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (81–90)
Change the worldCHEMISTRY
I’d listened to the original many times.
But when I first heard the cover, I couldn’t really appreciate how good it was.
After growing up and getting the chance to listen again, its true quality came through.
I didn’t understand the meaning of the song as a child, but now that I’m an adult, it’s a track I can confidently recommend.
Closer (Tokyo Remix)The Chainsmokers feat.Nitta Mackenyu
A gem of a track has been born, covering a classic Western hit.
Blending elements of electropop and EDM, the song features lyrics that interweave Japanese and English, depicting memories of past love and the emotional turbulence of a reunion.
Created through a collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Mackenyu Arata, it was released in February 2020 and became a major hit, topping the Oricon Weekly Western Digital Singles chart.
Balancing nostalgia with freshness, this track is recommended for those who want to feel the joys and bittersweetness of romance, as well as anyone interested in the fusion of international music.
A place in the sunKawaguchi Kyogo
A song Stevie Wonder released when he was 16.
I first heard it when I was in high school.
I remember singing it in English with a girl in music class.
Thanks to this song, we had more chances to talk, we fell in love with each other, and eventually we started dating.
It’s a song full of memories for me.
LoserASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
“Loser” is a song by American musician Beck that reached No.
10 on the U.S.
Billboard Hot 100.
Blending folk, blues, and rap into a fresh style, it’s a classic that reshaped the rock scene of the 1990s.
The rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION covered “Loser,” and their version was included as the first track on the 2013 album “ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION presents NANO-MUGEN COMPILATION 2013.” It features original Japanese lyrics and retains the feel of the original, so definitely give it a listen!
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.
Wake Me UpYamashita Ayumu & Sereina An
A track by Avicii, the DJ and producer from Stockholm, Sweden.
It’s a massive hit that has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.
Singer-songwriter Celéna Anne performs the English lyrics, while Ayumu Yamashita sings the Japanese lyrics, creating an arrangement that lets you enjoy the original words while understanding the song’s story.
The lyrics convey the struggles of a young person a bit lost in life, making it a song that gently stays by your side and gives you a push when times are tough.
Classic Western songs covered by Japanese artists: Rediscovering hit tracks through Japanese-language covers (91–100)
I don’t want to miss a thingHirai Dai
Aerosmith is one of America’s most iconic rock bands.
When it comes to their signature songs, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” definitely comes to mind.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll probably remember it as the song from the movie Armageddon.
In fact, there’s also a cover version by Dai Hirai.
Compared to the original, the melody is gentler and carries a more sorrowful tone.
It has a different kind of appeal, so be sure to check it out.
