[2025] A roundup of Western songs that include Japanese

Hello KittyAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Hello Kitty (Official Video)

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.

Like MeLil Tracy

Yung Bruh – Like Me

Lil Tracy, born in 1995 and hailing from Virginia, is known as a highly influential artist in the SoundCloud rap scene.

Released in June 2015 under the name “Yung Bruh,” this track is one of his early works, yet it offers a glimpse into the roots of his current style.

While built on a trap beat, it features a melodic flow that incorporates elements of emo and punk, leaving a strong impression.

The lyrics highlight his individuality and lifestyle, expressing his confidence and self-affirmation throughout, powerfully advocating the importance of living true to oneself.

The track pairs perfectly with a beat produced by DBbeatz, and it even slips in some Japanese lyrics.

Be sure to check it out.

Believe MeLil Wayne (ft.Drake)

Believe Me

Did you know that a collaborative track by Lil Wayne from the United States and Drake from Canada actually slips in a Japanese word? Released in May 2014, the song features the two rappers boldly proclaiming their success and what it’s worth.

In particular, Drake’s chorus exudes confidence as he declares that he’s one of a kind and irreplaceable.

What’s especially interesting is that Lil Wayne weaves Japanese into his verse.

There’s also a striking moment where he boasts about owning two Ferraris, a memorable vignette that symbolizes his success.

It’s a must-listen for hip-hop fans—a classic that radiates the duo’s friendship and mutual respect.

What The F***Rise of the North Star

RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR – What The F*** (Official Music Video)

A signature track by France’s crossover metal powerhouse, Rise of the Northstar, where razor-sharp Japanese lyrics ride over an intense sound.

Drawing wide-ranging influence from ’90s NY hardcore to hip-hop, the band’s deep love for Japanese manga culture—especially Fist of the North Star—comes through vividly in both their lyrics and visuals.

Featured on their 2014 album Welcame, this song is defined by aggressive guitar riffs and powerful vocals that forge a hard-hitting attack.

Their performances, complete with school-uniform-inspired outfits, are another highlight.

It’s perfect for blasting when you’re stressed or need a reset—the sheer force will energize you.

It’s also an ideal track to hype up a crowd, especially when you’re with foreign fans who love Japanese culture.

Gomenasait.A.T.u.

t.A.T.u. – Gomenasai

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.

Slumber Party (ft. Princess Nokia)Ashnikko

Ashnikko – Slumber Party (feat. Princess Nokia) [Official Music Video]

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.

Yuko and HiroBlur

Blur – Yuko and Hiro (Official Audio)

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.