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)
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.
Western pop classics covered by Japanese artists: Rediscovering hits through Japanese-language covers (51–60)
20th CENTURY BOYX JAPAN
X JAPAN’s “20th CENTURY BOY” is a sharp-edged cover that evokes T.
Rex’s original.
YOSHIKI’s dramatic drumming and Toshi’s powerful vocals brilliantly revive the soul of ’70s rock ’n’ roll.
It’s no surprise the track was included on the live album “X SINGLES” and became a fan favorite at X JAPAN’s shows.
The lyrics’ message—wanting to be a “boy of the 20th century,” brimming with freedom and defiance—cuts straight to the listener’s heart.
It’s a fierce X JAPAN-style cover tune that every rock lover should hear.
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.
Tacata’MAX
“Tacata’” is a 2013 single released by MAX and a cover of the Italian DJ group Tacabro.
Unlike the cheerful, Latin-flavored vibe of the original, this version turns it into a glamorous, high-energy number.
The sound has a unique ring to it, doesn’t it? Both this cover and the original are insanely addictive! The lyrics don’t make much sense, but that’s part of the fun! The title originally refers to the side-to-side movement of a woman’s hips, but in MAX’s version it becomes a “magic word that connects people,” making it a song where you can truly feel the power of music.
Don’t Know WhyHarada Tomoyo
“Don’t Know Why” is a classic song sung by Norah Jones, one of the leading female vocalists in the jazz world, and it won three Grammy Awards.
It has been covered by many artists; in Japan, Ken Hirai and JUJU have both done versions.
Among these, a recommended one is the version included on Tomoyo Harada’s cover album “Renai Shosetsu” (Love Stories), where you can enjoy a duet with Jesse Harris, the songwriter and composer of “Don’t Know Why.” Compared to the languid mood of the original, this rendition has a slightly more forward-moving, lively feel.
Try listening to the different versions and find your favorite!
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko
The original song is British singer Angie Gold’s hit “Eat You Up.” This track, covered by Yoko Oginome, became a major hit in 1985, and it drew renewed attention in 2017 when the Tomioka High School dance team performed a high-quality, bubble-era-themed routine at the Japan High School Dance Championship.
While the original lyrics highlight a woman’s anger and frustration toward a lover who betrayed her, the Japanese lyrics poppily express the passionate feelings of someone with a one-sided crush.
Hydrangea (Don’t Look Back In Anger)Yoshii Kazuya
Kazuya Yoshii, known as the vocalist of THE YELLOW MONKEY.
One of his signature songs is “Ajisai” (Hydrangea).
It’s a masterpiece that fully showcases his outstanding vocal ability.
This song is actually a cover of the British rock band Oasis’s “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” As you can see, the original has quite a different nuance in its title.
In the lyrics, there’s only one moment that touches on a summer flower.
To name the song “Ajisai” based on that is such incredible sensibility, isn’t it?