
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
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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!
Senpai Club, Swedish-made, anime-inspired, Japanese-speaking animation, is back! 【Video】