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)
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.
VENUSKiyoharu
It’s a cover of The Shocking Blue.
There’s a bit of a disconnect when a song with female vocals is sung by a man, but this one feels awkward in a different way (lol).
Rather than a simple cover, it ends up sounding almost like Kiyoharu’s own original.
It’s got a strong, distinctive quirk.
Western pop masterpieces covered by Japanese artists: Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (101–110)
Hole in My ShoeTakahashi Yukihiro
A song covered by Yukihiro Takahashi of “Hole in My Shoe,” originally released in 1967 by the British rock band Traffic.
Dave Mason’s dreamlike lyrics depict a mysterious worldview where the boundary between dream and reality is blurred.
Surreal scenes—such as an elephant’s eye and tin soldiers—unfold one after another, as if tracing the flow of the protagonist’s consciousness.
While preserving this distinctive atmosphere, Takahashi adds arrangements that reflect his own musical sensibility.
Included on his 1996 album “Portrait with No Name,” the track shines with a new brilliance that is uniquely Takahashi’s, despite being a cover.
A piece that will leave you feeling dreamy.
THE GROOVERROLLY
This is a song included on the T.
Rex tribute album “Boogie With The Wizard,” released in 1997.
The album is really cool—though it’s no longer available, the lineup is stellar and it’s well worth a listen.
ROLLY’s contribution is a work that conveys his love for Marc Bolan.
HERONagayama Miho
It’s a cover of Mariah Carey.
I used to listen to this song a lot when I was in love.
I still vividly remember how much this song influenced me—I always wanted to be a hero for the person I cared about.
Thinking back on it now is kind of embarrassing, though…
STOP THE MUSICAmuro Namie
“STOP THE MUSIC” was originally a song by Eurobeat artist Sophie, and in Japan it became a hit when Namie Amuro covered it in 1995.
It was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV late-night drama “Shonan Liverpool Academy” and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
In the video, you can see Namie Amuro during her Super Monkeys era dancing to a Eurobeat rhythm, so definitely give it a listen!
Amazing GraceTakehara Pisutoru
Speaking of unexpected cover songs, I recommend Pistol Takehara’s “Amazing Grace”! It’s an old American gospel classic that’s loved and sung around the world.
Takehara added his own original lyrics to “Amazing Grace,” turning it into a prayerful song that shakes the soul.
When he performed it on TV for the first time, his powerful, almost shouting delivery drew rave reactions on social media, with comments like “I was moved” and “I couldn’t stop crying.” It’s a deeply moving performance—please check it out!