Popular Japanese Hits by Female K-Pop Artists
In the music industry, artists like to challenge themselves and promote specific fan bases by learning to sing in another language or diving into various genres to push away from their comfort zones. As we have seen over time, K-Pop idols release their own respective singles in languages like English or Spanish, proving their talents beyond just singing in Korean.
In this week’s Ladies Corner, we’re discussing a few popular and recognizable hits by female K-Pop artists that made their legacy through promotions in Japan. With an array of original Japanese language singles or Japanese versions of original songs, here’s a few old and new Japanese hits from your favorite K-Pop idols.
KARA - “Mister” (Japanese ver.)
Second generation fans, it’s time for a roll call! If you remember the original version of KARA’s hit single “Mister,” then you have definitely heard the Japanese version. Released in 2010, the single is one of 10 tracks featured in their third studio album and debut Japanese album, Girl’s Talk. With the rapid popularity of “Mister” in Korea, it’s no wonder these girls released a Japanese version. It gave them plenty of traction in Japan as it ranked No. 18 for USEN in 2011 and ranked No. 5 on the Oricon Daily Chart upon its release. As fans remember, the classic sound and memorable choreography has been a hit since its original release in 2009 and continues to bring joy to fans in the current generation.
Girls’ Generation - “PAPARAZZI”
We cannot forget to include Girls’ Generation on this list! The well-known second generation girl group released their Japanese language single “PAPARAZZI” in 2012. It’s one of 12 songs off their second Japanese studio album Girls & Peace. The album itself has tons of great Japanese language singles that are still highly discussed online from fans young and old. The music video contains shots of the women being followed by paparazzi with constant flashes going off, performing for a live audience, and in their recognizable tuxedo outfits with bright pink gloves. “PAPARAZZI” is one of those songs that fans will always return to, even nine years later.
Red Velvet - “#Cookie Jar”
One of the most memorable Japanese hits from Red Velvet is the 2018 release of their single “#Cookie Jar” off of their debut Japanese EP of the same name. The groovy song has an earworm quality to it; once you hear it, you can’t get it out of your head (but of course, that’s a good thing). Red Velvet has always made addictive tracks with their impressive vocal range and harmonies, but the Japanese single stands out from their entire discography with its funky baseline and electro pop sound. In this song, the ladies talk about wanting love, though the consequences come as they find that these “desserts” in their video are anything but sweet. The music video stuns with pastel outfits, a table full of delicious desserts, and refreshing visuals.
TWICE - “Candy Pop”
On February 7, 2018, TWICE dropped their second Japanese maxi single, though the song “Candy Pop” was pre-released as a digital single on January 12. In the early period of TWICE’s promotions in Japan, “Candy Pop” was one of the top songs that got attention due to the music video’s mixture of animation and live-action shots for its storyline. In the video, the members are in an animated and candy-filled world where they get help from J.Y. Park himself to help their young fan from her sadness and loneliness. It’s an adorable music video that has quite the catchy sound, especially with subtle sound effects to help teleport you into their world. After the success of “Candy Pop,” TWICE is still promoting in Japan with their latest hit “Perfect World” and their upcoming winter album, Doughnut.
Dreamcatcher - “Endless Night”
In March 2020, the talented girl group Dreamcatcher dropped their underrated Japanese single, “Endless Night.” With it being the first of three tracks off the single album of the same name, it’s easily one of the most memorable in Dreamcatcher’s Japanese discography. One interesting fact about the single itself is that it was produced by Japanese guitarist Kuboty, who also participated in providing the guitar and bass parts of the song. The drums were provided by Katsuma of the Japanese post-hardcore band coldrain. With help from Kuboty, Katsuma, and Dreancatcher’s rock sound, this song production was a match made in heaven. If you’re absolutely obsessed with rock or Dreamcatcher, it would be fit to not forget this classic Japanese single.
BoA - “Every Heart: Minna no Kimochi”
The most memorable queen and hitmaker of K-Pop, BoA was one of the first to dip her feet into promotions in Japan. With her versatility and long list of accomplishments throughout her two-decade long career, it comes as no surprise why BoA appears on this list. She began her Japanese music career in 2002 with her debut album Listen to My Heart featuring the single “Every Heart: Minna no Kimochi.” The track gained popularity as it was featured in the famous anime Inuyasha as the fourth ending theme song in Japan and the second in Korea. The single reached No. 10 on the Oricon Singles Chart. Watching the music video feels like taking a glimpse at the past and has this nostalgic feeling that you don’t really see too often in the music industry. Her vocals are so smooth and bubbly that it’s guaranteed to become your favorite in an instant.
ITZY - “WANNABE” (Japanese Ver.)
Following in the footsteps of their sister group TWICE, ITZY will also get their chance to promote in Japan with their respective Japanese debut this December. The girls will release Japanese versions of their hit singles “ICY,” “Not Shy,” “LOCO,” and “WANNABE.” To prepare for the release of the Japanese debut album, IT’Z ITZY, the quintet dropped the Japanese version of “WANNABE” with its own music video. Whether you enjoyed the Korean version when it first came out or became obsessed with its popularity on TikTok, you are certain to enjoy the Japanese version. The bright and colorful video, as well as ITZY’s visuals, will instantly grab your attention.