
The worldwide hit single, “Telephone”, by Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce, is doing the rounds again on the Internet. Only this time, it’s a Japanese version, featuring two traditional instruments: the koto (Japanese harp) and the shakuhachi (Japanese flute). The duo behind the cool cover are a couple of little monsters who go by the name of Team Kozan. Not only have they created an awesome rendition of the pop single, they’ve made a cool video clip too; filmed at Suga Shrine in Shinjuku, it mixes up Gaga dance moves with the sights and sounds of traditional Japan. See why the world is raving about it after the jump.
Team Kozan explains their reasons for creating the Japanese-style arrangement and video clip:
“Two years ago, after the terrible earthquake, we Japanese received a lot of support and encouragement from Lady Gaga. Now, we want to return the favour by supporting and encouraging Lady Gaga after her recent hip surgery. We hope she returns to performing soon.”
The clip is so eye-catching and original that its popularity is slowly spreading across the world.
Here’s what some Japanese viewers had to say:
“This is Japanese-style awesome”
“Props to the middle-aged guy; I didn’t see those dance moves coming!”
“I like this better than the original!”
“I got goosebumps!”
“The musical arrangement is great but their performance was mind-blowing!”
Here’s what foreigners thought of the clip:
“Love it!” (Vietnam)
“This is the best! I like it better than the original!” (USA)
“Where can I buy this single?” (USA)
“This is amazing! I’ve never heard a Gaga song like this before!” (Taiwan)
“This is so interesting to watch! Superior to the original!” (Canada)
The Japanese cover version of “Telephone” is a perfect fusion of East and West, traditional and modern. We think they’ve done Mother Monster proud.
▼ Check out Gaga’s original version below. Which one do you prefer?
Source, featured image: YouTube/shaku8kozan
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]

Lady Gaga Hello Kitty put under the virtual hammer, only two in the world born this way
Fans in Japan can listen to Lady Gaga’s latest hits by embracing her life-size doll
Naomi Watanabe slays Lady Gaga in “Rain On Me” parody video
Lady Gaga gets her own Yahoo! Japan page complete with clickable pantsuit
We try recreating Lady Gaga’s signature look using only stuff bought at a 100-yen store
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese Twitter presents chart of all panty types, for panty-identification science
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Lady Gaga goes gaga for Hatsune Miku, makes virtual idol her opening act
Japanese news program criticized for translating Lady Gaga’s protest message as “I hate Trump.”
Six of our favorite songs performed on traditional Japanese instruments to get you to the weekend
Famikoto celebrates Nintendo with medley of game music played on traditional instruments【J-Tunes】
Ladies, Please Don’t Be So Blatantly Disappointed With Your Delivery Man (At Least With How He Looks)!
Sadako 3D Box Set Offers a Glimpse at the Daily Life of a Japanese Horror Icon
Japanese Comedian, Gonzo, Wows the World of YouTube with his Tambourine Performance
Rising J-POP star is talented, good-looking and certainly not your typical Japanese musician!
Japanese Titanic: a tale of garbled, hilarious, English
Soccer fan’s Attack on Titan parody is so awesome it got him a job 【Video】
Watch this totally unique Sailor Moon fan video — created with illustrations by over 250 artists!
Tomaya: The old Japanese inn that only accepts reservations by post
Want to change your look? Try this unique hairband that lets you grow instant bangs
Amazing video wows viewers — see the fascinating world created with a single piece of tissue paper!