Watch This Professional Japanese Flutist Cover Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"

A traditional Japanese twist on the King of Pop’s hit song.

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Classical music covers of popular songs are a wonderful thing. The latest video to surface shows a traditional Japanese rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” performed by professional shakuhachi (a Japanese bamboo flute) player Yuko Watanabe along with two backup performers on a koto (a stringed instrument, also the national instrument of Japan).

For more similar videos check out JIMEK’s classical symphony tribute to 30 iconic hip-hop songs.

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