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)
I’m in Love with Your Eyes (Can’t Take My Eyes Off You)Tommy February6
Tomoko Kawase, known as the vocalist of the brilliant green.
Under the name Tommy february6, she released a massive hit: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” It’s a cover of Frankie Valli’s song of the same name, which is also well known in Japan under the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru.” Of course, the original is wonderful, but for many Japanese people, the cute image of the cover version leaves a stronger impression.
LAYLAKobukuro
It was used in a Mitsubishi Motors commercial, wasn’t it? Originally, it’s a song by Eric Clapton.
When Kobukuro sang it, I felt a different kind of charm compared to their usual gentle style.
What really stuck with me was that even a family member who isn’t very interested in music couldn’t help asking, “Whose song is this?”
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.
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.
GOLDFINGER 99Gō Hiromi
Released in 1999, “GOLDFINGER ’99” became a social phenomenon.
There’s hardly anyone—adult or child—who doesn’t know that chorus.
In fact, this song is also a cover.
The original is “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” sung by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin.
While the melody is the same, the lyrics and choreography are Hiromi Go’s originals.
That said, both the original and “GOLDFINGER ’99” share the same theme: a man whose life is thrown into chaos by a woman.
The original’s lyrics are a bit darker, though.
If you’re curious, be sure to check it out.
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.
Dreaming Chanson DollJUJU
When I first started working and experienced failure, I was so frustrated that I stayed at the office and worked nonstop.
That’s when I came across this song.
I didn’t even know the title, but it somehow gave me courage.
The original song was born in France in the 1960s.
I’d heard it since long ago, but thanks to JUJU, I was able to have a moving reunion with it.