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)
How To LoveCREAM & Kris Roche
A song by Lil Wayne, the American rapper who calls himself “the best rapper alive” and is affectionately known as Weezy.
Sung from a male perspective, it portrays the inner struggle of how to love someone and how to make it work.
Although it’s a cover in Japanese, the original’s comfortable sense of rhythm is preserved.
The gentle, enveloping female vocals and the powerful male rap are captivating.
Even as a cross-language cover, it’s finished as a very easy-to-listen-to track!
Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughLittle Glee Monster
The Motown classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, was also used as the ending theme for the film Sister Act 2.
The song was covered by Little Glee Monster, a Japanese female vocal group.
On June 6, 2020, they posted a one-take cover video on YouTube.
In a format where they take turns singing short phrases of the song, each member’s individuality shines through in the performance.
It’s a soulful classic—be sure to listen to various versions!
I’m in love with your eyes.Shiina Ringo
When I listen to this song, I feel like I’m being drawn into Shiina Ringo’s unique world.
Her individuality really stands out, and I’m amazed by how many differences there are from the original track.
But being able to arrange a song in such a distinctive way is part of Shiina Ringo’s charm.
The vocals and Ringo’s personality are blended well, resulting in a wonderful piece.
It’s definitely worth a listen at least once.
Sentimental and DearTahara Toshihiko
Toshihiko Tahara was one of the quintessential idols of the 1980s.
His popularity surged not only through his own work but also thanks to the “Tanokin Trio,” the unit he formed with Masahiko Kondo and Yoshio Nomura after co-starring on the TV drama Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B.
One of Tahara’s signature songs is his debut single, “Aishu de Ito.” The original is Leif Garrett’s “New York City Nights,” noted for lyrics that capture the bittersweet sorrow and frustration felt at the end of a romance.
Tahara skillfully conveys that world in the Japanese version as well, infusing the lyrics with a poignant sense of melancholy.
The song’s unexpectedly mature aura—unusual for an idol—revealed a new facet of him when he was still in his teens.
This youthful ballad about aching love remains as radiant as ever, untouched by time.
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.
CLUB ZIPANGUChinen Rina
I think it’s an incredibly old song.
It’s by Ricky Martin, and when I was around the age where I barely have any memories, I used to listen to it a lot in my mom’s car.
It’s the kind of song that makes me remember my childhood and feel really nostalgic.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to go back to their childhood.