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)
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.
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.
DESPERADOHirai Ken
I covered a classic by Glenn Frey.
It’s a perfect song for days when you want to relax.
In my case, I first came across this song on the night of my first heartbreak.
When I turned on the radio and listened, I felt like I gradually recovered from the breakup.
With its calm rhythm, it’s a song that lets you slowly heal your heart.
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!
