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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Western pop classics covered by Japanese artists. Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese covers (11–20)
one, ten, hundred, thousandKOWICHI
A passionate track woven with sweet words of love and strong resolve.
KOWICHI’s soul-stirring rap powerfully conveys deep affection for his lover and hope for the future.
Featured on the album “Higher,” released in December 2020, this song leaves a strong impression with its devoted love and hunger for success.
It portrays a readiness to give everything for a loved one and a dream of a radiant future the two will seize together, delivering a message that resonates with listeners.
Recommended not only for those in love, but also for anyone striving toward their dreams.
We are absolutely never getting back together.MACO
It’s a cover of a Taylor Swift song.
It’s a song where a woman says goodbye to a man, expressing her feelings toward him in a refreshingly straightforward way.
From the man’s perspective it might feel a bit lonely, but from the woman’s point of view it might feel cathartic.
If I Ain’t Got YouKG
KG’s cover breathes new life into this moving ballad.
It sings of how the presence of a loved one is everything, placing material value second.
The lilting triple meter is striking, and KG’s delicate vocals convey the song’s message even more deeply.
Released in May 2011, this track offers a fresh interpretation of Alicia Keys’s classic.
It’s recommended for times when you want to reexamine your values in life or reaffirm your feelings for someone special.
KG’s emotive voice is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
FOREVER (feat. Minami)MC TYSON
A song depicting sweet everyday life with a lover has arrived.
The collaboration between MC TYSON and Minami creates an enchanting, love-filled world.
Warm lyrics that resonate with listeners—morning kisses, breakfast together, and the precious moments they cherish even when busy—leave a lasting impression.
Included on the album THE MESSAGE III, released in December 2020, the track features a soothing sound that blends hip-hop and R&B elements.
Recommended for those who want to savor happy moments with their partner or need the courage to keep moving forward.
La BambaDragon Ash
A classic that has long been beloved as a Mexican folk song and has been passed down by numerous artists, including Los Lobos.
Dragon Ash reconstructed this global standard as a piece of mixture rock with Japanese lyrics.
While retaining the upbeat, Latin-tinged rhythm of the original, it’s arranged with a fierce band sound that can shake live houses and festival venues.
Although it was the B-side to the 2008 single “Velvet Touch,” it became widely known after being used in a commercial for the au W64SA.
It was later included on the album FREEDOM.
Just listening to it gets you pumped up, making it perfect for parties where you want to hype things up with friends, or for moments when you want to soak in a liberating mood!
Silent NightChara
This work is a cover of a beloved Christmas carol classic, interpreted through Chara’s unique sensibility.
Preserving the original’s serene atmosphere, her signature whispery vocals layer in to create a warm, intimate resonance.
Sung with a sense of closeness that conveys even her breathing, it gently nestles up to the listener’s heart.
It was included as the B-side to the single “Boku no Koto o Shitte,” released in November 2007, forming part of a tracklist that cherishes the winter season’s mood.
It’s perfect for a quiet night away from the bustle, when you dim the lights and want to slowly immerse yourself in music.
Wrapped in Chara’s gentle voice, why not spend a peaceful holy night?
Western pop masterpieces covered by Japanese artists: hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (21–30)
What’s Goin’ OnOff Course
A masterpiece that stands as a towering monument of soul music, released by Marvin Gaye in 1971.
Off Course covered it as the opening track of their live album “Aki Yuku Machi de,” released in December 1974.
Capturing their October 1974 performance at Nakano Sun Plaza, this recording is a valuable document showing how the band was absorbing contemporary Western music in real time.
Preserving the original’s supple, sticky groove, the beautiful harmonies of Kazumasa Oda and the others add a more refined, urban sheen.
Sung in English, it reveals the band’s musical depth that goes far beyond a simple folk image.
I think it’s a cool track that fans of Western music will also enjoy as a journey tracing its roots.