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 hit tracks through Japanese-language covers (91–100)
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.
VIVA! Nossa NossaYūsuke
This song by Yusuke is a Japanese cover of Brazilian singer Michel Teló’s worldwide hit.
Set to a light, Latin rhythm, it portrays love at first sight and the thrills of romance in a positive way.
It vividly depicts encounters at parties and early-stage romantic exchanges, resulting in a bright track that brings listeners both empathy and energy.
Released in October 2012, it was also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Harajuku Nest Cafe.” It’s recommended for those who want to feel the excitement of new love or lift their spirits.
VenusNagayama Yōko
Yoko Nagayama’s eighth single, released in 1986.
It’s a cover of Shocking Blue’s 1969 smash hit by the Dutch rock band, incorporating arrangements particularly inspired by Bananarama’s 1986 version.
Set to the Eurobeat rhythms that defined the ’80s, the lyrics strikingly portray an alluring female figure.
A woman who shines like a goddess takes the lead in love.
It also drew attention as an insert song in “Boku no Onna ni Te o Dasu na.” A signature blockbuster from Nagayama’s idol-singer era, it marked a turning point that led to her later shift to enka.
Its poppy, catchy sound still brims with undiminished charm today.
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.
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.
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.
Kiss Me More -Unrelated Girls and Boys Remix-hanjuku tamagocchi
The Japanese hip-hop girls’ unit “Hanjuku Tamago-cchi” has released “Kiss Me More – Kankei-nai Joshi Danshi Remix,” a Japanese-language cover of Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More.” Born from the fashion magazine “egg” and led by Momoa and Erika, the group is drawing attention for their unique style that fuses gal culture with hip-hop.
In this work, while honoring the content of the original lyrics, the standout feature is the writing that portrays a self-reliant stance for women in romance.
Built on the original’s catchy melody, the fresh, sensibility-rich arrangement is sure to resonate with younger audiences.
Their live performances are also not to be missed.