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)
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.
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.
Classic Western songs covered by Japanese artists: Hit tracks rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (31–40)
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.
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!
Daydream BelieverTHE TIMERS
It’s that familiar song you hear in 7-Eleven stores and on their TV commercials, right? Did you know it’s actually a cover? The original is by The Monkees, an idol group born in the United States.
In the Japanese lyrics, the singer expresses feelings for the “birth mother” they were never able to meet.
Paired with its gentle melody, it warms the heart.
It also drew attention when Mitsuki Takahata performed it as the theme song for the animated film Napping Princess: The Story of the Unknown Me.
Fly Me To The MoonUtada Hikaru
“Fly Me To The Moon” is one of the signature songs of the legendary singer Frank Sinatra.
It’s also been used in commercials and as an anime theme song.
And guess what—Hikaru Utada, one of Japan’s leading singers, has covered this song.
The cover is titled “REMIX: Fly Me To The Moon.” As the name suggests, it’s remixed and starts with a techno-like vibe.
The intro may feel different from the original’s atmosphere, but as you listen, it’s unmistakably “Fly Me To The Moon.” First, give it a listen and experience the power of that voice!
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.