[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?”
- [2026] A Collection of Western Songs That Include Japanese
- [2026] Trending Western Music: The Latest Hit Songs to Watch
- [2026] A Compilation of Cool Western Songs That Hype Up Karaoke
- [2026] From Japan to the World! A Collection of Classic City Pop Tracks in Western Music
- [2026] A compilation of Western songs used in Japanese anime
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- [2026 Edition] Upbeat Western Music! Latest Hits and Popular Songs
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- [2026] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended classics
- [2026] Danceable Western hits: songs that make you want to dance and get you grooving just by listening
- Fun Foreign Music Songs Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Learn English with Western Music! A roundup of recommended songs for studying English
【2026】A Collection of Western Songs Featuring Japanese (21–30)
Yuko and HiroBlur
Yuko and Hiro, a song by the renowned British band Blur, is included on their 1995 album The Great Escape, and it’s memorable for the unexpected Japanese that pops up in the English lyrics.
It has the distinctive feel of a Blur track, reflecting the deep bond they’ve been known to share with Japanese fans since the Britpop boom of the ’90s, though from a modern perspective the lyrics might come across as a bit odd—that’s part of the charm.
They also performed this song on Live at the Budokan, an album released exclusively in Japan in 1996, so be sure to check it out.
SumahamaThe Beach Boys
The Beach Boys’ 1979 release “Sumahama” is an unexpected track that suddenly features Japanese.
While the band is strongly associated with images of California sun and beaches, this song is said to be about Suma Beach in Kobe, Japan, just as the title suggests.
It’s long been something of a mystery among fans, but there’s a report online from someone who asked Mike directly when he visited Japan—so be sure to look it up.
When Japanese suddenly pops up in Western music, it feels fresh to listeners and makes you perk up and pay attention, doesn’t it?
Song for the DumpedBen Folds Five
The piano rock trio Ben Folds Five subtly weaves Japanese into their 1997 song “Song for the Dumped,” blending the frustration and irony of a breakup.
Their distinctive sound, infused with jazz and improvisation, finds a new harmony in the sudden flashes of Japanese, creating a fresh way to express loneliness and frustration.
Many years have passed since their big breakthrough in the United States, yet the song’s defiant spirit continues to resonate undiminished.
Among artists who have incorporated Japanese, Ben Folds Five’s attempt stands out as uniquely surprising and remarkable.
SamuraiLupe Fiasco
A powerful track by American artist Lupe Fiasco that shines as a homage to the late Amy Winehouse.
It’s an inventive piece that weaves Japanese phrases into a fusion of jazz and hip-hop.
The everyday line “I read a book, took a bath, and went to sleep” symbolically expresses the inner life of an artist buffeted by fame.
Released in June 2024 as the title track of his ninth album, Samurai, the song is inspired by an anecdote in which the late Amy Winehouse once referred to herself as a “lyrical samurai.” Its lyrics, portraying the struggles of the music industry and the pursuit of creativity, are sure to resonate with those grappling with the artist’s path.
Mr. RobotoStyx
The sudden appearance of Japanese sounds in Western music can feel fresh and unexpectedly delightful.
Styx’s 1983 release “Mr.
Roboto” is a prime example.
Inspired by Japan’s robot culture, songwriter Dennis DeYoung built the track around the Japanese phrase “dōmo arigato,” and it reportedly achieved high chart success at the time.
Its story—caught between technology and humanity—resonates deeply, while the Japanese sprinkled throughout the lyrics lends an exotic flavor.
It’s a one-of-a-kind classic by Styx that continues to be loved by many music fans, so if you’re looking for a recommended track, definitely give it a listen!
Eve Of DestructionThe Chemical Brothers
In the 1990s, especially in Japan, The Chemical Brothers were known as one of the “Techno Big Three,” and to this day they command massive cross-genre influence.
In their 2019 track Eve of Destruction, many listeners were likely surprised to hear a Japanese rap verse partway through the song.
In fact, the track features NENE from Yurufuwa Gang, marking a remarkable first: The Chemical Brothers had never before included a Japanese artist on one of their albums.
Be sure to check it out, music video and all—it’s delightfully quirky!
Matte KudasaiKing Crimson
When it comes to moments where Japanese lyrics shine in Western music, perhaps none exemplify it better than King Crimson’s heartwarming ballad “Matte Kudasai.” Released in 1981 on the album Discipline, the song’s delicate guitar tones and the poignant Japanese title phrase “wait, please” exude a unique sense of wistfulness.
The performances by renowned musicians—Adrian Belew and Robert Fripp on guitars, Tony Levin on bass, and Bill Bruford on drums—leave a quiet afterglow in the listener’s heart.
It may well be that songs like this, created in pursuit of essence rather than commercial success, hold the secret to being loved across time.