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 masterpieces covered by Japanese artists: hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (21–30)
Wonderful WorldUrufuruzu
A highly recommended cover with unique Japanese lyrics is Ulfuls’ “Wonderful World.” The original is a soul classic released by Sam Cooke in 1960 and one of his signature songs.
Ulfuls’ Tortoise Matsumoto has been greatly influenced by soul music, and his powerful, soulful vocals are truly captivating.
This version starts with the original lyrics, but partway through it shifts to distinctive lyrics written by Tortoise in English, characterized by clever rhymes.
Be sure to compare it with the original English lyrics as you listen!
HonestyAnjura Aki
Angela Aki covered a classic by Billy Joel.
The lyrics teach the importance of treating people with sincerity, and they made me stop and wonder, “What does sincerity really mean?” To me as a child, this song was like a world of philosophy.
Even listening to it as an adult, it’s a song that makes you think.
Classic Western songs covered by Japanese artists: Hit tracks rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (31–40)
SUMMERTIME BLUESkodomo bando
Summertime Blues, released in 1958 by American singer Eddie Cochran, is a rock classic that has been covered by many artists.
In Japan, Ulfuls and Misato Watanabe have both done covers.
Their styles are quite different, but if you like heavier, more intense tracks, I recommend the version covered by Kodomo Band.
It’s rougher and more masculine than the original.
Listen to it in the summer, and it’s sure to get you pumped!
Roar (MACO Japanese Cover)Katy Perry
Singer-songwriter MACO, who has garnered strong support from her generation with down-to-earth lyrics, rose to prominence after a Japanese-lyric cover of a Western pop song she posted on YouTube drew huge attention.
This cover of Katy Perry’s global hit preserves the original’s powerful message of self-affirmation while the delicate Japanese lyrics breathe new life into it, offering deep comfort and courage to listeners.
It’s a track included on her major-label debut mini-album “23,” released in July 2014.
Seamlessly fusing the cadence of English with the emotional nuance of Japanese, the song invites even those unfamiliar with Western pop into its world.
Give it a listen when you want to build confidence or need a gentle push forward.
Day TripperYellow Magic Orchestra
Yellow Magic Orchestra is a music group consisting of Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
They create songs with a distinctly Japanese musical sensibility and have fans all over the world.
One of their most famous tracks is Day Tripper, a cover of the Beatles song of the same name.
By rearranging the Beatles classic into a techno track, they sent shockwaves through the global music scene.
At first glance it may sound like an entirely different song, but the core melody is the same.
PrideHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s gentle singing voice matches the song and lyrics perfectly.
The first time I heard it, I fell in love at once—I even asked the store clerk right away, “Who is singing this?” It’s an old song, but it’s a mysterious one that makes you feel refreshed whenever you listen to it.
The Way ft. Mac Miller (MACO Japanese Cover)Ariana Grande
A cover by singer-songwriter MACO, who rose to prominence after posting videos on YouTube.
This track is her unique Japanese-lyric arrangement of a classic song included on popular singer Ariana Grande’s debut album, “Yours Truly.” While the original is a light, upbeat R&B number that includes a rap section, this version skillfully transforms that rhythmic feel into the sounds of Japanese, expressing the joy of being in love in down-to-earth words.
When the video was released in December 2013, it generated a strong response and helped raise her profile.
It maintains the groove of Western pop while conveying the lyrics’ meaning directly to the heart, making it a must-listen for those who love the melody but want to savor the song’s worldview more deeply.