About the song
## Sukiyaki: A Timeless Japanese Ballad
Kyu Sakamoto’s “Sukiyaki” is a timeless Japanese ballad that has captivated audiences worldwide since its release in 1963. The song, originally titled “Ue o Muite Arukou” (Let’s Walk Facing Up), has become synonymous with Japanese music and culture, transcending language barriers to touch the hearts of listeners across generations.
At its core, “Sukiyaki” is a poignant reflection on loss and longing. The lyrics, penned by Hakaru Yokomori, evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia as the narrator contemplates the passing of a loved one. The song’s title, “Sukiyaki,” is a seemingly unrelated reference to a popular Japanese dish, but it serves as a metaphor for the simple pleasures of life that are often taken for granted until they are gone.
Sakamoto’s soulful vocals deliver the song’s emotional weight with remarkable depth and sensitivity. His voice, characterized by its warmth and richness, conveys a sense of vulnerability and longing that resonates with listeners. The melody, composed by Hachiro Niimi, is both haunting and uplifting, creating a musical landscape that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical themes.
The song’s arrangement is relatively simple, featuring a minimalist accompaniment of acoustic guitar, bass, and drums. This stripped-down approach allows Sakamoto’s vocals to take center stage, emphasizing the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The song’s tempo is slow and deliberate, creating a contemplative and reflective atmosphere.
“Sukiyaki” achieved immense popularity in Japan upon its release, topping the Oricon charts for several weeks. However, it wasn’t until the early 1960s that the song gained international recognition. A cover version by the American folk singer The Kingston Trio, released in 1963, introduced “Sukiyaki” to Western audiences and propelled it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s enduring appeal can be attributed to its universal themes of loss, longing, and the fragility of life. Its simple yet profound lyrics, combined with Sakamoto’s heartfelt performance, have made “Sukiyaki” a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Whether you are a fan of Japanese music or simply appreciate a well-crafted ballad, “Sukiyaki” is a song that deserves to be heard.
Video
Lyrics
Ue o muite arukō
Namida ga koborenai youni
Omoidasu haruno hi
Hitoribocchi no yoru
Ue o muite arukō
Nijinda hoshi o kazoete
Omoidasu natsuno hi
Hitoribocchi no yoru
Shiawase wa kumo no ueni
Shiawase wa sora no ueni
Ue o muite arukō
Namida ga koborenai youni
Nakinagara aruku
Hitoribocchi no yoru
Omoidasu akino hi
Hitoribocchi no yoru
Kanashimi wa hoshino kageni
Kanashimi wa tsukino kageni
Ue o muite arukō
Namida ga koborenai youni
Nakinagara aruku
Hitoribocchi no yoru
Hitoribocchi no yoru