Another Story: "SUKIYAKI" - Behind Japan's No. 1 US Hit (NHK World - Japan)

Broadcast on February 11, 2023
via NHK:
Sakamoto Kyu's famous song "Ue wo Muite Arukō" a big hit in the U.S. despite being sung in Japanese, reached No. 1 in the U.S. in 1963. Why was this song the only one that made it to the top in the U.S.? There was the drama of Japanese Americans in a small town in California who were encouraged by this song! How did this song change the destiny of Sakamoto Kyu and his own tumultuous life, and how did he meet A Taste of Honey, who covered "SUKIYAKI" and made it a big hit?

[@sharonwright4202]

I am Jamaican, I fell in love with this song as a child. It made me interested in Japan and her people. In time, I got to teach English online to Japanese people. It was so much fun and my students (of all ages) were the most polite people ever. Eventually, my twin sons taught themselves Japanese and moved there to work in IT. Soon, I will see Japan myself - especially the cherry blossoms! All because of this tender, beautiful song. Thank you Kyu san.

[@sharonterao9613]

This is such a beautiful song I'm very proud of my heritage!!!!

[@damsideau]

He lived to make this song popular all over the world. God's been with him and Kyu is now with God. The time he lived, felt like Heaven was on Earth, and for everyone that's been helped by this song and by Kyu's soothing, happy tone, God's blessed them. You seldom hear this kind of song, and seldom get to see this kind of gentleman. RIP Sakamoto Kyu.

[@li-co]

Thanks for this video. Heard the song sometimes in Japanese Comedy content I watched. I love it. Edit: Oh wow he sang: "Ashita ga Arusa" as well! Amazing.

[@bigguys45s29]

Thanks for uploading this! (Get this, I live in Fresno, and my grandfathers on both sides of the family actually LIVED in that Japanese nursing home before passing away sadly in 2018.)

[@sharonterao9613]

Thank you for this I had no idea

[@Henry8VIII8]

I fell in love with this song a few years ago. It came up in the car with my Dad recently, and he immediately recognized it from the first few notes. He was born in 1960, it just goes to show you the lasting impact this song had!

[@Henry8VIII8]

We have long held a beautiful symbiotic relationship with Japan, especially when it comes to trading elements of our cultures. I am glad that we are allies, and I sincerely hope we continue to be friends.

[@remer471]

Thank you for uploading

[@matty6878]

np! had to since NHK only had it for limited time an i totally respect the man and want to share his story

[@remer471]

❤welcome and i agree.

[@TheBeatles..]

great to see this. thanks

[@sharonterao9613]

My father was incarcerated in maryville/yuba city intermine camps

[@user-gi8ke8ef8d]

Stop calling people by their last names. Call them by their first names.

[@matty6878]

your last name is 'Shit-head' - you like that?