Many Filipino listeners grew up singing their favorite OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs, not realizing that some of these hits were actually inspired by or adapted from Japanese music. Thanks to the internet and the rediscovery of City Pop, Filipino netizens have uncovered that a surprising number of nostalgic OPM tracks are based on Japanese originals. This trend started in the ’80s and ’90s, when many Filipino artists were working in Japan. They returned home with cassette tapes and albums, influencing OPM’s evolution. Here are 14 Filipino songs with hidden Japanese roots, complete with background info and video links for comparison.
1. Di Ko Na Mapipigilan – SexBomb Girls
Original: Stop the Music – Namie Amuro
One of the SexBomb Girls’ most energetic tracks, “Di Ko Na Mapipigilan” became a dance anthem in the early 2000s. It is actually a Tagalog adaptation of Namie Amuro’s J-pop hit “Stop the Music,” released in 1995. The original features funky beats and a signature ‘90s Japanese sound.
Year Released (Original): 1995
OPM Genre: Dance Pop
Japanese Genre: J-Pop
2. Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin – Rodel Naval
Original: Single Again – Mariya Takeuchi
A heartfelt ballad about longing, “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin” is a Tagalog version of “Single Again” by Mariya Takeuchi. Known as a pioneer of City Pop, Takeuchi is widely recognized for her hit “Plastic Love.” This ballad showcases her emotional depth and timeless style.
Year Released (Original): 1989
OPM Genre: Ballad
Japanese Genre: City Pop/Ballad
3. Honey My Love So Sweet – April Boys
Original: Ellie My Love – Southern All Stars
This sweet OPM love song by the April Boys is based on “Ellie My Love” by Japanese rock band Southern All Stars. The original track’s soft rock tone was transformed into a sentimental ballad that became a karaoke favorite among Filipinos.
Year Released (Original): 1981
OPM Genre: Love Ballad
Japanese Genre: Soft Rock
4. Love Can’t Lie – Sarah Geronimo
Original: Hatenaku Tsuzuku Story – MISIA
MISIA’s “Hatenaku Tsuzuku Story” was released in 2001 and is known for its emotional vocals and soulful delivery. Sarah Geronimo adapted it into “Love Can’t Lie,” which highlighted her strong vocal performance and captured the original’s message of enduring love.
Year Released (Original): 2001
OPM Genre: R&B/Pop
Japanese Genre: Soul/J-Pop
5. We Belong – Toni Gonzaga
Original: First Love – Hikaru Utada
Toni Gonzaga’s “We Belong” shares emotional DNA with Hikaru Utada’s 1999 breakout hit “First Love,” one of Japan’s best-selling singles of all time. Both songs talk about lasting emotional bonds and first heartbreaks.
Year Released (Original): 1999
OPM Genre: Pop Ballad
Japanese Genre: Pop/R&B
6. Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot – Donna Cruz
Original: Manatsu no Kajitsu – Southern All Stars
This dreamy love song from the movie of the same name by Donna Cruz mirrors “Manatsu no Kajitsu” or “Midsummer Fruit” by Southern All Stars. It is a romantic tune about summer love and fleeting feelings.
Year Released (Original): 1990
OPM Genre: Movie Soundtrack/Pop
Japanese Genre: Pop Rock
7. My Sweet Home / Just One More Time – Regine Velasquez
Original: My Sweet Home / Once Again – Mariya Takeuchi
Regine Velasquez covered both “My Sweet Home” and “Just One More Time,” which were originally sung by Mariya Takeuchi. These smooth City Pop classics were transformed into heartfelt ballads through Regine’s powerful vocal style.
Year Released (Original): 1980s
OPM Genre: Pop Ballad
Japanese Genre: City Pop
8. Ikaw Pa Rin / Maghintay Ka Lamang – Ted Ito
Original: Saigo no Iiwake / Deep Sky – Hideaki Tokunaga / Friends
Ted Ito introduced “Ikaw Pa Rin” and “Maghintay Ka Lamang” to Filipino audiences. Both songs are adaptations of Japanese ballads “Saigo no Iiwake” and “Deep Sky,” which were popular in Japan for their soothing melodies and poetic lyrics.
Year Released (Original): Late 1980s
OPM Genre: Love Ballad
Japanese Genre: J-Ballad
9. Bawat Bata – Apo Hiking Society
Original: Every Child Has a Beautiful Name – Godiego
This iconic children’s song by Apo Hiking Society is actually based on “Every Child Has a Beautiful Name” by Japanese band Godiego. Both songs deliver an inspirational message about the value of children and their potential.
Year Released (Original): 1979
OPM Genre: Inspirational
Japanese Genre: Pop Rock
10. Sana’y Laging Magkapiling – April Boy Regino
Original: Kanpai – Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi
“Sana’y Laging Magkapiling” echoes the emotional tone of “Kanpai” by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, a classic song often sung during graduations or farewells in Japan. It speaks of friendship, nostalgia, and hope.
Year Released (Original): 1980
OPM Genre: Pop Ballad
Japanese Genre: Folk Rock
Final Thoughts: OPM and J-Pop’s Shared History
It’s fascinating to see how Japanese songs have quietly shaped the Filipino music scene. These OPM adaptations don’t simply copy melodies—they reinterpret them with new lyrics, emotional depth, and cultural meaning. The result is a beautiful blend of East Asian musical influences that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Did we miss any other OPM songs with Japanese origins? Share them with us in the comments or on social media.
