[2026] A Collection of Western Songs That Include Japanese
If you’re a fan of Western music, there’s a good chance you’ve had the experience of suddenly hearing a familiar language—Japanese—pop up in the songs you usually listen to.
Just as Japanese artists sometimes write lyrics that mix English and Japanese, many Western artists intentionally incorporate Japanese lyrics into their songs.
In this article, we’ve put together a variety of tracks from different eras and genres that include Japanese.
We’ve tried to leave out songs that are simply Japanese-language versions of existing Western tracks, so you might discover some surprises like, “Wait, this song has Japanese lyrics too?”
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[2026] Compilation of Western Songs That Include Japanese (1–10)
SAKURAROSALÍA
Rosalía, the Spanish songstress who has fused flamenco with urban music and earned global acclaim.
The track in question is the one included at the very end of her album MOTOMAMI, released in March 2022.
It’s characterized by a production that starts with crowd cheers, as if from a live recording, and lyrics that poignantly and beautifully overlap the scattering of cherry blossoms with the fleeting nature of fame as a star.
It portrays the loneliness that lurks behind dazzling success and the resolve to accept the inevitable end to come, and that contrast deepens the song’s impact.
It’s a quiet yet powerful ballad, perfectly suited to close an album that was recognized at the Grammys.
Recommended for spring nights when you want to spend time alone in silence, or for anyone who wants to hear a voice that truly resonates with the heart.
LegacyEminem
When it comes to rap that mixes in Japanese lyrics, a hidden gem by Eminem catches the eye.
The track from his 2013 album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 is an autobiographical piece that chronicles feelings of loneliness and alienation in his childhood.
Hailing from Missouri, he speaks candidly about his vulnerabilities and asks, “Am I an alien?”, a stance many can relate to.
The delicate piano and female vocals evoke the atmosphere of Stan.
The song was used as the official theme for the 2014 wrestling event WrestleMania XXX, making it familiar to sports fans as well.
The story of an introverted boy who couldn’t find his place, discovering his worth through music, will resonate with those searching for something meaningful.
Get Ur Freak OnMissy Elliott
Released in 2001, Get Ur Freak On is a powerful and unique hit that Missy Elliott delivered from her album Miss E… So Addictive.
It masterfully fuses hip-hop beats emblematic of the era with Indian bhangra music.
Above all, the Japanese phrases sprinkled throughout the track add a surprising twist for listeners and showcase the breadth of Elliott’s musical approach.
Packed with global sensibility and innovation, the song has won numerous music awards, climbed high on the charts, and remains a beloved classic worldwide.
[2026] Compilation of Western songs that include Japanese (11–20)
All Around The World (ft.LaToiya Williams)Jay Z
The American hip-hop king Jay-Z’s 2002 hidden gem featuring Latoiya Williams is a confident track that paints a picture of a worldwide journey.
It captures his pride in having risen from New York’s impoverished neighborhoods to become, quite literally, a “global” figure, backed by the success that proves it.
His smooth flow meshes perfectly with Williams’s soulful vocals, letting you sink into a laid-back mood as if you’re traveling the world.
The song appears on the album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse.
Released in November 2002 as an ambitious double-disc, it achieved commercial success, including reaching No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
With its polished sound and lyrics that even include Japanese, the track offers a glimpse of respect for cultures around the world—perfect for anyone seeking an international vibe.
Gomenasait.A.T.u.
In Japan, the Russian duo t.A.T.u., remembered—for better or worse—for the last‑minute cancellation controversy, released “Gomenasai,” a heartwarming ballad, in 2006.
While they write an apology between themselves, what stands out—as the title suggests—is their inclusion of the Japanese word gomen nasai (“I’m sorry”).
It’s unusual to hear Japanese in Western pop, but in this song it feels as if it’s naturally present.
That, in turn, gives the piece a conversational kind of strength.
Hello KittyAvril Lavigne
Hearing Japanese in Western music gives you a little sense of surprise, doesn’t it? Avril Lavigne’s song “Hello Kitty” was created by the Japan-loving artist, inspired by Hello Kitty, and it incorporates elements of J-pop and EDM, earning a positive reception in Japan.
However, both the lyrics and visuals drew mixed reactions, and Western critics were often harsh.
Even so, there’s no question the song charted and its Tokyo-shot music video drew attention.
While it can deliver a bit of culture shock, the energetic, vividly colored MV became a work that sticks in viewers’ memories.
Slumber Party (ft. Princess Nokia)Ashnikko
Ashnikko, an American artist based in London, captivates with her vivid blue hair and bold musical style.
A track featuring Japanese lyrics that depict a relationship between women emerged from her January 2021 mixtape, DEMIDEVIL.
Playfully sensual lyrics blend seamlessly with a catchy melody, winning over listeners.
The song exploded in popularity on TikTok, being used in over 624,000 videos by June 2021, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in November 2022.
A collaboration with Princess Nokia, this work celebrates sexual diversity and is recommended for anyone who values staying true to themselves.