The Unlikely Rise of Japan's Iconic 'Sukiyaki' Song

A new film, 'Sukiyaki,' set to open the 2026 Tokyo International Film Festival, explores the origins of the 1960s song that captivated the world. "Ue o Muite Aruko," translating to 'I look upwards as I walk,' was a collaboration between composer Hachidai Nakamura and lyricist Rokusuke Ei. Their unique blend of Japanese scales, jazz, and pop influences, paired with Ei's melancholic lyrics reflecting post-war anxieties, created a distinctive sound.

Kyū Sakamoto's rendition, featuring unrehearsed quirks, became an unlikely global sensation. Initially a domestic hit, it found international fame through covers and its eventual release as "Sukiyaki." The original Japanese version achieved a historic U.S. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1963, a first for an Asian artist. This success boosted Japan's national pride during a period of significant economic growth and international reintegration.

The song's enduring legacy saw it covered by numerous international artists, including Janice-Marie Johnson of A Taste of Honey, whose R&B version also charted in 1981. "Sukiyaki" has been revived as a symbol of hope, notably after the 2011 disasters and at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony. Tragically, Kyū Sakamoto perished in the 1985 Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash, the deadliest single-aircraft disaster in history.