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)
Sans toi, mamieRC sakuseshon
This is a cover of Adamo included on the album “COVERS,” which I released in 1988.
I really want you to listen to this album—it’s full of masterpieces.
Fubuki Koshiji had covered this song, but her lyrics were from a woman’s perspective, so I rewrote them from a man’s point of view.
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.
Closer (Tokyo Remix)The Chainsmokers feat.Nitta Mackenyu
A gem of a track has been born, covering a classic Western hit.
Blending elements of electropop and EDM, the song features lyrics that interweave Japanese and English, depicting memories of past love and the emotional turbulence of a reunion.
Created through a collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Mackenyu Arata, it was released in February 2020 and became a major hit, topping the Oricon Weekly Western Digital Singles chart.
Balancing nostalgia with freshness, this track is recommended for those who want to feel the joys and bittersweetness of romance, as well as anyone interested in the fusion of international music.
Change The WorldSatō Chikuyoshi
It’s a cover of an Eric Clapton classic.
Takezen’s voice is wonderful too, and I think this version is lovely in its own right.
I also like that it doesn’t change the original image too much.
Takezen has released many albums covering Western music.
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.