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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!

Western pop masterpieces covered by Japanese artists: Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (101–110)

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.

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Love Can’t Be Stopped (Turn It Into Love)Wink

Love Won’t Stop ~Turn it Into Love~ / Wink [Official Music Video]
Love Can't Be Stopped (Turn It Into Love)Wink

In 1988, Wink, the duo of Sachiko Suzuki and Shoko Aida, covered Kylie Minogue’s 1988 song “Turn It into Love,” released in Japan as “Ai ga Tomaranai ~Turn It into Love~.” Wink’s cover topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and around the same time, Kylie Minogue’s original dominated the Oricon Western Music Singles Chart, holding the No.

1 spot for 10 consecutive weeks.

The arrangement makes nostalgic use of poppy 1980s-style synth sounds, so be sure to give it a listen!

Hamada Takuya
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SatisfactionToki Asako

Toki Asako (Asako Toki) – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
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!

Hamada Takuya
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In conclusion

Western songs covered by Japanese artists carry a different kind of charm from the originals. Because the meaning of the lyrics comes across so directly in Japanese covers, they can resonate deeply with the heart. Hit cover versions can also become a gateway to rediscovering the appeal of the original songs. I hope you’ve found a new favorite among them.