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. Hit songs rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (41–50)
MY SHARONAPolysics
Even people who aren’t well-versed in Western music have probably heard “My Sharona.” It’s been used in movies, TV dramas, and commercials in all kinds of contexts.
A Japanese rock band, POLYSICS, has actually covered this song.
While the original builds its structure around the bass, the cover version mainly features high-pitched tones.
As a result, it has a poppy, humorous vibe.
If you listened without any context, many people might not even realize it’s a cover.
Stand by meTsuchiya Anna
Every time I hear this song, I remember what happened with her.
There was a time—just once—when I couldn’t protect her.
If only I’d had the strength then, she wouldn’t have been hurt.
I can’t help but feel a painful regret, wishing I had stayed by her side more.
Smells Like Teen SpiritONE OK ROCK
In many cases, when covering a song, people change the style or alter the lyrics to add originality.
However, there are also instances where artists deliberately trace the original as it is to show respect to the original artist.
A prime example is ONE OK ROCK’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” This is, of course, a work by the legendary rock band Nirvana.
Be sure to listen and compare to experience just how little difference there is.
A thousand milesONE OK ROCK
Taka’s vocals are unbelievably beautiful.
He sings as if they themselves created the song, pouring real emotion into it.
This might be what a truly living song is.
The original is by Vanessa Carlton, and it even won a Grammy.
What a feelingAsakura Miki
This song, sung by Irene Cara as the theme for the 1983 film Flashdance and a massive hit alongside the movie, was broadcast in Japan in a cover version by Miki Asakura as the theme song for the TV drama Stewardess Monogatari.
The drama, which starred Chiemi Hori and Morio Kazama, became such a sensation that many people likely recall its storyline just by hearing this song.
You are my friend.DIAMOND☆YUKAI
When you think of the movie Toy Story, the theme song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” comes to mind, right? Combined with the episodes in the film, it’s loved by many Disney fans.
The original is “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” sung by Randy Newman—the English version, so to speak.
The lyrics and melody are almost the same as the Japanese version sung by DIAMOND YUKAI.
By the way, DIAMOND YUKAI has also posted a video on his own YouTube channel where he performs the English version.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain?Kuwana Masahiro
This is a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1970 hit.
It’s basically a blues version of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”, and it’s wonderfully cool.
The reason it still sounds so cool even when turned into the blues is thanks to Mr.
Kuwana’s vocal prowess.