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 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.
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?”
My HEART WII GO ONItō Yuna
The theme song from the film Titanic, which depicts the love between passengers on a luxury liner that sank in the early 20th century.
With Yuna Ito’s cover, the song’s image has become more contemporary.
It’s arranged a bit more for a younger audience, but listening to it makes you want to watch Titanic with someone special.
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!
Classic Western songs covered by Japanese artists: Hit tracks rediscovered through Japanese-language covers (61–70)
STAND BY MEShimizu Shota
This song was released by Ben E.
King in 1961 and has been widely covered by Western artists.
Shota Shimizu did a cover of it.
For some reason, listening to this song in Japanese brings me to tears.
Shota Shimizu’s beautiful voice blends perfectly with the lyrics, and I felt it was a wonderful song.
SHOW MEMorikawa Yukari
There are many classic songs that became drama theme songs, but one of the most famous is “SHOW ME,” sung by Yukari Morikawa.
The drama aired in 1987, yet when people think of drama theme songs even now, this track is often the first that comes to mind.
It’s not widely known, but this song is actually a cover.
The original is a song of the same name by the American girl group The Cover Girls.
While the basic lyrics and melody are the same, the original gives a more pop impression compared to the cover version.
That’s likely because Yukari Morikawa pours emotion into the lyrics and delivers a powerful vocal performance.
Papillon 〜Papillon〜 (Doesn’t Really Matter)Shimatani Hitomi
Among Janet Jackson’s songs, one that’s especially beloved by many fans is “Doesn’t Really Matter.” It’s a track that perfectly fits the word “stylish.” Hitomi Shimatani has actually covered it.
Her version is titled “Papillon 〜papillon〜.” The biggest difference from the original is the lyrics.
In particular, the middle section features some unfamiliar words, doesn’t it? As it turns out, those are words from various Asian languages.
If you’re curious, look up what they mean!