KYU SAKAMOTO Sukiyaki REACTION - The first Japanese hit song in America - First time hearing

[@heathwirt8919]

Sakamoto died on 12 August 1985 in the crash of Japan Air Lines Flight 123, along with 519 others on board the flight, making him a casualty of the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history. Rest in peace Kyu.

[@FERRARIDOUG355]

Knew he died in a plane crash-learned today it was the worst in history. He was a great entertainer

[@MidniteWildRose]

💝

[@dagmar.6954]

I remember hearing this song on the radio. Such a great tune. This song became one of the best-selling singles of all time selling over 13 million copies worldwide. The lyrics tell the story of a man who looks up & whistles while he is walking so that his tears will not fall & describes his memories & feelings.

[@cmstand]

I wish you had reacted to a live performance so you could see his beautiful smile. He looked so genuinely happy while singing this song.

[@stephenandrews8419]

Yes in Japan he was often called the 'Happiest man in the world' because of his beaming smile. A truly great singer who brought A Japanese song to the whole world. R.I.P Kyu 🙏🙏🙏

[@marybaillie8907]

Kyu was a Japanese singer and actor, who's sang this beautiful song Sukiyaki was the first Asian singer to have a Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100's. It sold 13 million copies. I remember this from my childhood and remembered the beautiful instrumentation and don't think I knew the words were in Japanese. I think it was a summer tune. Beautiful song. Great memory. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Agnete. ❤👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@deantait8326]

I definitely recall this song. Wasn’t There also an instrumental version and/or English

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍🥰🤩🇩🇰❤️🇨🇦💖

[@marybaillie8907]

​@agnetesorensenelbom5085 Thank you Agnete.❤ Such a wonderful memory you triggered with this beautiful song. 🤗🤗🎶🎶🇨🇦❤️🇩🇰🌹🌹

[@SailorBarsoom]

@@deantait8326 A Taste of Honey recorded an English language version of this song. It's worth checking out.

[@kimmaedke2763]

Wow, this one really takes me back. I never knew what it meant but always enjoyed it. Your reaction, Harri, brought a smile to my face, but you are right, the words seemed easy to pronounce!

[@didichampagne4071]

The first I heard this song even if it is in japanese, it got me right away, lovely song thank you for playing this, it was a great in it's time

[@Imadrummin]

Such a beautiful song. Thank you for selecting this song Agnete. You are right Harri, beautiful melody. 👍💜✌

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

❤🙏💖🥰

[@leannmiller7153]

Sukiyaki is the 1st and only Japanese song to reach #1 on the US Billboard. I still have the original single 45 rpm….I was 10❤

[@bjm9071]

I remember listening to this when I was a small child. Thanks for the memories!

[@kathy1013]

This song was huge on Houston radio stations back in the day. Takes me back to a very sweet simple time in life. Thanks for this one Harri.

[@l-bird]

This song was HUGE in the US when it came out! I absolutely loved it

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

❤❤❤

[@johnniekight1879]

One of my favorite oldies.

[@donnamikola48]

Love this song! This was a big hit in Canada as well, even though we had no idea what he was singing about. It made it to number 4 on the CHUM charts. Thanks for finding this forgotten gem!

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

❤❤❤

[@chitownlee]

This came out in 1961, I was 11. I just remember what a catchy toon it was.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

❤❤❤

[@markstanley565]

Such a beautiful happy melody but melancholy at the same time

[@ericanderson8886]

timeless song, huge number 1 hit. So sad he died in a tragic plane accident. Those french nuns also had a big hit in the states, Domineque think.

[@sylvanaire]

I love the French nuns song! I remember hearing it when I had just passed my drivers test and it was playing on the car radio in Germany. Definitely worth a listen.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Yes it was also a #1 hit. Sadly the lead singer committed su1c1de years later.

[@missblondie2393]

Agnete I was waiting for this one Beautiful song After reading the comments about the singers tragic death the words hit harder "happiness lies above the sky"... Great request and reaction Harri 🎵💜🎶

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

😥😇❤️🥰

[@peggymiller2475]

I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it on the radio when I was 4 years old. To this day, I have to stop and listen when I hear it with a big smile on my face.

[@timbukh3]

First time I heard this song was in the 60s. Never saw a video with subtitles in English. Now I finally know the lyrics. Thanks Harri.

[@davidmckenzie420]

I was a kid...But I remember it clearly...Music rules.

[@susankeffer8551]

I have a very good Japanese friend and we became friends through our love of 60s music. It's easy to learn some of the language through the music lyrics.

[@homeschoolmom2799]

He had such a beautiful voice. I remember this song from when I was a child.

[@mikeking-lc3vl]

There have been a ton of covers. I love it when they all collaged performances during covid. It was happy.

[@waltw4537]

I thought I was singing along perfectly back in the day. Loving the English translation. Thank you!

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍❤️🥰

[@llschnitz]

One of the most beautiful male voices I’ve ever heard, like a male version of Karen Carpenter or the rich mellow voice of Roger Whittaker.

[@dwainwilder7337]

As I listen to this song, I can’t help but think that it sounds so familiar. It finally came to me. In 1981 Taste of Honey recored a song named “Sukiyaki”. It is the same song recored in english with some differences. WOW! Harri, please check out “Sukiyaki” by Taste of Honey.

[@Maridun50]

This song was a monster hit all over the world - also in Denmark, where I am from. I still love it today as I'm 73.

[@DannyD714]

i remember this song from when i was a child. around ten years ago i was listening to it on you tube,and my cat junior (RIP) reacted to the whistling part. he jumped on my lap, and started getting affectionate. at first i didn't get the connection. then i started whistling the song, and got the same reaction from him. he just loved the sound of it. from then on whenever i wanted him to come all i had to do was whistle sukiyaki,and he came running. now that he's gone the lyrics are especially sad,but the song reminds me of that sweet boy, and all the wonderful years we had together.

[@kaarhildtorset4850]

Remember this beautiful song played on the radio in my childhood 1963 loved it then love it now ❤❤

[@shirleynoble685]

Kyu Sakamoto was one of those rare humans born to bring light to the world. The song is more powerful than the sword or the text.

[@nancikuba42]

I knew this song as a child. I’m 68. My mother is Japanese & I’m half. Then you mentioned Mariam Makeeba. I have her song in my favorite songs that I need to listen to. Sukiyaki is another.

[@jessejamessimons483]

All right my friend.... A female band by the name of a taste of Honey covered this song. It's very good ‼️💯😊👍🏼

[@AP-gb3eh]

This was very familiar, I loved this song a kid. Somehow it broke through the ridiculous rules of broadcasting and was played . So sweet , just a good mood melody for me.

[@daviton34]

Came out in 1963 the year i was born, loved it all my life . This has earned a sub from me.

[@jmorado7638]

wow! Favorite song from the 60’s. heard it every half hour on CKLW Detroit when they played hit music. A Taste of Honey and Selena also released versions but Sakamoto is the by far the best! I learned it and still singing it after 60 years

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍👍👍

[@zapdunga12]

This is what he is singing in Japanese: 上を向いて歩こう 涙がこぼれないように 思い出す 春の日 一人ぽっちの夜 上を向いて歩こう にじんだ星をかぞえて 思い出す 夏の日 一人ぽっちの夜 幸せは 雲の上に 幸せは 空の上に 上を向いて歩こう 涙がこぼれないように 泣きながら 歩く 一人ぽっちの夜 思い出す 秋の日 一人ぽっちの夜 悲しみは星のかげに 悲しみは月のかげに 上を向いて歩こう 涙がこぼれないように 泣きながら 歩く 一人ぽっちの夜 一人ぽっちの夜

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

❤❤❤👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩

[@davebzen795]

Agnete - You keep on bringing great music, and this is one such example. I have never heard Kyu Sakamoto before now and I thank you for that alone. I really enjoyed this one! Very well done Agnete and Harri.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍❤️🙏🥰

[@cojaysea]

I remember hearing that back in 63 as a kid never gave it a thought . Now I’m living in japan and discovered what the song means and how the man died it real adds a whole new dimension to it .

[@Cynthia...]

I remember this song very well. I have always loved it. Thank Agnete and Harri.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

Thank you Cynthia 💐😍🌻🥰

[@handfuloftrains4781]

Such a beautiful and sad song. A bit of trivia: Babymetal's 2016 album "Metal Resistance" became the first Japanese album to crack the American top 40 charts since Sakamoto's 1963 album "Sukiyaki and Other Japanese Hits."

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍👍👍

[@QuicknStraight]

Kyu Sakamoto is the singer. Sukiyaki is the title of the song. I love this song, having spent a lot of time in Japan over the last 35 years. There are a lot of great Japanese singers to get into. Try some Chage & Aska tracks like "Pride". Great stuff!

[@jackcotner8981]

I believe the translation of the title in English something like "I look up as I walk."

[@kariskogstadlita8085]

Thanks ,i love this wonderful song .Amazing voice ,stil it always makes me feel sad ...

[@mrb4749]

Nice song I remember it being popular. He had a very nice voice. I don't remember any more songs by him tho I was very young.

[@vickit.1797]

music is all one language the sound like a melancholy song. he sounds like he's hurting but the upbeat and the way he phrases the words tell me its a mixture.

[@671SUN]

Reminds me of Grandma & Grandpa House, Growing up in Hawaii, back in the 80's. Goodtimes & Great Video! Thank You Very Much!

[@dwainwilder7337]

Harri! This song is definitely the inspiration for “Sukiyaki” by The Taste of Honey. The words are a bit different with the same song meaning. Again, WOW! Taste of Honey is the group that had a hit with “Boogie Oogie Oogie. Thanks for sharing!

[@Russ-gy7tx]

The original title is "Ue o Muite Arukō" but the English and American record execs and DJs couldn't pronounce it so they re-named it "Sukiyaki." I remember as a child hearing this on the radio back in the early '60s.

[@WhatAboutThemApples]

I love how they renamed it to a Japanese food has that has nothing to do with the song. It would be like if in Japan they renamed a song sung by an American "Hot Dog"

[@Russ-gy7tx]

@@WhatAboutThemApples Lol

[@SailorBarsoom]

@@WhatAboutThemApples Japan, 1960 "And now for the newest hit song from America, 'Hot Dog!' " {music begins playing} "Only the lonely, know the way I feel tonight..."

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

Thank you so much for bringing my suggestion ❤ To me it is a very fond old time memory 🧐😇🙏 When I found the lyrics video I thought it would be possible for you to react to ❤ I do know that you like to understand what you hear 😅🤔 This is from Denmark to all the people in the World who loves the song 🥰❤️😇👍

[@wayne_twentyfive]

Loved this song from the first time I heard it as a kid .. Wonderful melody, beautiful voice, and something about the strange and sweet sounding foreign words gave it a sense of magic and mystery to me .. I never tire of listening to this classic .. Thanks for the great request, Agnete.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

@@wayne_twentyfive ❤️🙏😍

[@brucefelger4015]

the lyrics are exceptionally dark for that time. especially for such an upbeat tune

[@gioconda43]

This is a very well known song from that time. I remember it , it's quite nice.

[@SailorBarsoom]

While I could never hold down a conversation in Japanese, I did learn this song and sang it for karaoke. It was fun.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍🤩❤️

[@hectorsmommy1717]

You are right that other non-English songs were big hits in the US. The biggest I can think of was "Dominique" by the Singing Nun that reached #1 in the early 60's. Also the Macarena, 99 Luftbaloons, Rock Me Amadeus, La Bamba, Gangnam Style, Despacito, etc.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

👍😊🧐😇❤️

[@mikeking-lc3vl]

When I was a school kid at phillippi shores you weren't cool if you didn't know the words. I can still pretty much sing it all the way through. Oue o muite aruko namita ga kobore

[@marygarrison9519]

My Dad Sang this to me as a kid. He learned it in the army

[@debbiechang5781]

I remember this melody but it was a song sung in English. It’s a beautiful tune in any case. Great request and reaction. Thanks Harri and Agnete. 🌺✌️

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

❤❤❤

[@jdw5678]

The song's original title was "Ue O Muite Arukou" (I Look Up as I Walk). Music writer Fred Bronson compared the renaming of it "Sukiyaki" to taking the song "Moon River" and re-naming it "Beef Stew."

[@lauraallen55]

It was renamed for Americans because it was thought they wouldn't be able to easily pronounce the actual name of it.

[@onsesejoo2605]

The original title for the song is along the line keeping one's head up. Please search for Jewell Akins - "My First Lonely Night". It is a cover the lyrics following the original. There is a joke that "Sukiyaki" would be like naming Henry Mancini's "Moon River" to "Beef Stew".

[@DaveM-FFB]

My goodness. Up until today, the only version of this song that I've ever heard is by Taste of Honey, and it's awesome! It was pretty cool to hear the original version today.

[@StephenLuke]

RIP Kyu Sakamoto (1941-1985) A victim onboard Japan Air Lines Flight 123 which crashed on Mount Takamagahara, Ueno, Gunma Prefecture, Japan due to an in-flight structural failure.

[@wearinganapron]

Harri, we all loved this song, but being Texas young ones, and not knowing that if was Japanese, we decided it was Cherokee. We made a brave attempt to sung along phonetically, all while maintaining a stoic Native demeanor. Finally, a boy whose dad was in the military, told us with great scorn that it was Japanese. Being pig-headed Texas kids, we didn't believe him, but preferred to wallow in our ignorance. It's a beautiful song.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

😅😊👍

[@jsellitto]

Now that you've broken the ice with a Japanese language song, you should check out one of the best Japanese hard rock bands in existence today. They are named Band-Maid and they're a 5 member all female band. They have over 100 great songs to choose from (though not all are on their official channel). A good one to start with is their song "Play" (Official Live Video). You can find it on their official KZbin channel.

[@darinharvey3171]

Came here looking for someone recommending Band-Maid. I was not disappointed. Good work.

[@jsellitto]

@darinharvey3171 I try to recommend them whenever I think the reactor will be open to listening to a Japanese band. They've become my favorite current band.

[@linwoodkent1246]

I always loved this beautiful song, my heart feels like a butterfly when I hear it. One of my brothers used to whistle this and it amazed me. When Kyu was killed in that horrendous plane crash we were all heartbroken for all those over 500 passengers. The lyrics now are fitting "happiness lies up above the sky", that's right, up above the sky is our loving Savior Jesus Christ. Kyu is now with Him. Thanks for this treasure to remember, Linda N. Ca.

[@guyturbide6348]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 My friend You have to check the version of 🎵Taste of honey 🎵 Bring the song to another level 👍🏻

[@tinovanderzwanphonocave544]

Kyu Sakamoto is part of what I coined the Flight Club 2 years ago together with Buddy Holly and Patsy Kline who all died in avian calamities I hope the Flight Club will rise to fame like the 27 Club since these people need to be remembered!

[@masabuu88]

I think he was “Sam Cooke of Japan”. Thanks from Japan.

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

🙏🤩😇❤️

[@Doug50pl]

I was 7 or 8 when this came out. I just loved the bouncy melody. It is one of the first things I looked up on the internet when I first got on and found this video. Wait, this is a break up song? Taste of Honey did a version that should have told me, but I figured they sort of just did something that rhymed. So do not be fooled seeing him smiling while singing it.

[@1ergnas1]

I once worked with a guy who's brother would punch him until he said Sukiyaka by Kyu Sakamato 3 times.

[@terrygarcia897]

I watch and listen to this song all the time. This is the only reason I have a computer phone. Stay well and free my friend. Texas

[@MisterWondrous]

Anyone who knows me well, Harri, will attest that I cannot enter an acoustically spacious containment without whistling either Sukiyaki or Firth of Fifth...which I will do for Colin. Whistling strengthens the Colin. Arigato gozaimas!

[@momokomiyafuji396]

Hitoribotchi (I am alone). I laughed because I realized that is where the anime character Hitori Bocchi got her name. She is a solitary girl with social anxiety.

[@lauraallen55]

Maybe she didn't get it from the song, but rather just from the Japanese words that mean I am alone?

[@alexsaunders352]

hi harry great reaction , you should listen to more of Kyu Sakamoto, try Good Timing and Ashita Ga Arusa

[@waltmoryn48]

Beautiful Song from 1963😀

[@deantait8326]

Check out the band from the 70’s-90’s named “Hiroshima”… great music and sound I believe you’d enjoy

[@mangrove]

It was written as a protest song against the 1960 U.S./ Japan Securiity treaty. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki_(song)

[@agnetesorensenelbom5085]

Thanks for the info ❤

[@julieb.5860]

this was a hit when i was a child. i never understood the words. i understood the emotion.

[@rirchardrubio5621]

This is a cool jam.

[@terrycunningham8118]

Give Shonen Knife a listen sometime. It's Japanese punk/psychedelic/pop and it's addictive. Try "Butterfly Boy", "New Find", "Antonio Baka Guy", "Concrete Animals", "Wonder Wine", or "Riding On The Rocket".

[@kathalinehansen7078]

Did you this is an unique song. The title in both Japanese and English does NOT occur anywhere in either lyrics. There is an English version.

[@brianenos7202]

In Japan 1961. In the United States 1963.

[@tonyr1950]

I believe this was the number one song

[@veronicababy7959]

This song is used in a pivotal scene in “Mad Men” S2E2.

[@DMarinari]

You are right, if you speak English, you learn Japanese easily.

[@martyemmons1859]

The nicest discovery I've made is finding the J-Pop genre.

[@IAmNimbleB]

Fireee Reaction Bro, Could You React To Cupid Ruszo - The Wall

[@brianrigsby7900]

Now look up ninja re bang bang

[@brianrigsby7900]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGbWYZuqiL5_g9Usi=8Z5bjZeeBMeyx9dw

[@phucpham7081]

Try react gakt the next decade song its also a japanese song its good

[@allisterleeswarts8524]

Cliff Richard song

[@joeyartk]

Japanese is a hard language, but it is easy to pronounce. Unlike English, it is pretty much always pronounced like it's spelled.

[@SweetThing]

Actually, Japanese is a hard language to learn, because, dependent on where the inflection is put on a word, the word can then have 10 different meanings..

[@MalachiMiranda-h7m]

No. That was the only original song that made it in the top 100 I guess None english

[@veronicababy7959]

If you think Japanese is easy, try pronouncing the title of the song correctly. It is closer to ski-yah-ki.

[@Gto1927]

I’m glad he doesn’t whistle in Japanese.

[@terrygerhart1485]

It was not named Sukiyaki in Japan? Only renamed for Western listeners, to complicated to say the real title. Sad as it is more elegant.

[@mangrove]

"Ue o Muite Arukō" is the original title.