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.
A place in the sunKawaguchi Kyogo
A song Stevie Wonder released when he was 16.
I first heard it when I was in high school.
I remember singing it in English with a girl in music class.
Thanks to this song, we had more chances to talk, we fell in love with each other, and eventually we started dating.
It’s a song full of memories for me.
I don’t want to miss a thingHirai Dai
Aerosmith is one of America’s most iconic rock bands.
When it comes to their signature songs, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” definitely comes to mind.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll probably remember it as the song from the movie Armageddon.
In fact, there’s also a cover version by Dai Hirai.
Compared to the original, the melody is gentler and carries a more sorrowful tone.
It has a different kind of appeal, so be sure to check it out.
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!
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!
