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.
LOVE IS ALLShiina Megumi
Megumi Shiina is known for her work on many TV show theme songs.
Her signature piece is the smash hit “LOVE IS ALL.” This song is a cover of American R&B singer Charlene’s “I’ve Never Been to Me.” Compared to the original, “LOVE IS ALL” has a stronger ballad feel.
Incidentally, the original is also known in Japan by the title “Ai wa Kagerou no Youni.” Both titles make you reflect on love, don’t they? Be sure to listen and compare the two.
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.
Western pop masterpieces covered by Japanese artists: hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (21–30)
True Colorschay
Cyndi Lauper sings the original.
This song is a memory itself for me.
When I lacked confidence and didn’t even want to see people, the lyrics—“I am who I am.
I don’t have to be dyed in someone else’s colors.
I can be just as I am.”—encouraged me and helped me get through a difficult time.
It’s a very important song to me.