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

[@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.

[@oldmansportsog2514]

I 1st heard ot on man in the high castle ans looked it up and saw if was number 1 back in day and asked my mom and she knew it said it was on radio all the time

[@bobgarbett3229]

I am now 70 and this has to be, for me, one of the most beautiful, haunting, utterly captivating songs I have ever heard. Whenever I hear the song I feel as if I am transported somewhere to some place that is so beautiful as to be almost painful it’s a time capsule back to the 1960s. I have lost track of the times I have played it his voice is just amazing. The greater tragedy by far is that he died prematurely in one of the worst air crashes in history. This is a remarkable documentary of things I had no idea, even though I’ve listened to so many about this beautiful human being. Thank you for this timeless classic Kyu Sakamoto!

[@dsnoey]

Me too exactly!

[@meghanschwanke1133]

me too on both acounts

[@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.

[@usaneebeilles9510]

Wiseman says ‘Same kind of people admire each others’ 🙂 Sincerely wish you/ family good health. Successes on career and life.

[@sharonwright4202]

@@usaneebeilles9510 Thank you so much.

[@lukilu65]

To give us strength to go on is priceless. Thank you.🙏💞💞💞

[@mariadefatimadacostasfafa2570]

Bom-dia ! Traduz em português por favor! Sou do Brasil, RJ! Amo este artista!

[@garyneilson3075]

I loved it!!! Still do. I had a Japanese pen pal and she sent me Japanese music, I sent her Ricky Nelson who she loved. I'm so happy for you that you'll see Japan. 😊

[@erik1836]

This is without doubt the finest documentary of this type I have ever seen. Whoever put it together is truly a master at his craft. The quality of the footage, the way it is all woven together, the narration - is spot on and, he or she, should be very proud of the work they have given the world about this delightful man and this beautiful song he sang.

[@lliamjurdom9505]

i loved this song as a child - it was part of the 60s innocence.

[@RobPetty622]

Early ‘60s, I guess.

[@kathleenmckenzie6261]

@lliamjurdon9505 As one who lived through the 60s as an adult, I don't think there was much innocence there: Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Assassination of JFK, RFK and Dr. Martin Luther King, the Cuban missile crisis, just to mention a few. It was really a jolting, turbulent time during which I began to question everything I had been taught.

[@user-DonsWoman]

My hubby said he was scared all the time growing up b/c of all the turbulence in the world. He had nightmares that German airplanes were gonna bomb his house. Those duck & cover drills just added to the chaos...

[@VIPXRX]

if im a child who had listened to this song for two years but not born before the 1960s, you know this song's love still continues to this day. well, whaddya know? im 12 and listened to this song for two years and still listening to it.

[@arcboutant]

Now THAT is a video WORTH making. THANK YOU.

[@erik1836]

@@arcboutant Ain't dat de truth! The amount of high powered brain power that went into crafting this is a thing of beauty to behold.

[@rubenfacio9831]

What a story. And me living in fresno😮 I never knew the words, but the song always makes me cry. Thank you for remembering. 🙏🏽

[@arcboutant]

@@rubenfacio9831 made me feel life worth living

[@everywayvanessaparrilla1704]

Omg why am I in tears watching this video?? Love from the Philippines

[@jeannien3283]

I found tears rolling down my face just as you did. Not sure exactly why either, but all the emotions just came over me, as I'm watching this video clip and reminiscing the good 'ol days. This documentary perfectly captured the essence of this remarkably beautiful song, as expressed through its lyrics, its melodies, and, of course, its lovely interpretation by the original artist, Sakamoto Kyu, himself. ❤

[@caine8875]

Mr. Ei Rokusuke who wrote (lyrics) the song had a radio show when I was in high school. He talked about the story behind the song some 50 years ago. How I remember is that it was based on the poem he wrote. It was about the day a few weeks after the war was over. Bombing was stopped but everything was destroyed. It was a wonderful Fall afternoon. He just stepped out to walk. People were preparing supper in ruins. There was nothing but sorrow and despair in the air. He was still young but couldn't see the future. Tears started to come down, so he looked up so the tears wouldn't fall. He saw a beautiful blue sky and a few white clouds. The future and happiness seemed above the clouds and beyond his reach. That was what the poem was about. The was a sad song. But the music made it sound upbeat by Mr. Nakamura. fall afternoon

[@SuperGingerBickies]

Beautiful.

[@fndmystory]

Thank you remembering Ei Rokusuke ❤ it brings honor to a man whose heart and thoughts changed the world ❤❤❤😂🎉

[@janicewolk6492]

What a beautiful smile he had.

[@alanchamberlain9967]

I bought a Sukiyaki 45 record when I was 7 years old in 1963. Still love the song today! RIP Kyu.

[@lelehart3]

This song, the melody, his voice, the lyrics and the whistling. Sakumoto Kyu delivered it to the world with its message and beautiful smile. I remember how touched I was as a little Japanese girl hearing it in NYC in the 60’s. I felt nothing but love and pride when I looked up. His song felt like home.

[@viterbogt]

This touching NHK documentary made me even appreciate the song more. I wasn't aware of the impact it had on the Japanese-American community. That was most touching especially when it was recounted how it brought a smile to a first generation issei who probably endured all the hardships of being an "enemy alien". A purely Japanese song being heard on American radio and hitting No. 1. Wow! Thanks for posting this Ms. matty.

[@apastoys5153]

This is a song I remember from my childhood and my teens. Thank you NHK for posting this story.

[@Cablecol]

I've lived in Fresno for 51 years and I appreciate this documentary about Sukiyaki and Kyu Sakamoto. I remember Taste of Honey's version of this. RIP Kyu and the many others on that fateful flight😔✨️.

[@BrydeliCorven]

When I heard it as a little girl it took me away from horrible circumstances and gave me a hopeful feeling. I still listen to it. Thank you

[@harrypalma8821]

What a goldmine this documentary is. Arigato!

[@michaelg.golden7327]

Sad that he died too young. Great song one of my favorites.

[@margieura1146]

As a 78 year old Japanese American who loved hearing "Sukiyaki" on the radio when I was in middle school, I loved watching this video so much! It resonated so much with my own history growing up in the Salinas Valley. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@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.

[@seimitsucook]

Wonderful story by all… Thank you.. I’m naturalized US citizen, born and raised in Japan, loved this song from mid 60’s..

[@kathleenmckenzie6261]

This song is one of my happier memories of the 60s. It is more meaningful now that I know its background. Thank you for this documentary.

[@marmeone]

This song was, and still is, very popular song in Hawaii.❤

[@buddypvaz124]

This video had me at a point of tears. What a wonderful true story told exquisitely. I was 13 in 1963 and I bought that single. RIP.

Reminds me when I was just a little kid. I heard this song all the time. Reminds me of my grandma and how much I loved her. Those days everyone had a very hard life.

[@manchu-qu9mw]

This song always hits me and bring back my childhood years on my first year in school. Thinking back, I feel the melodious catchy theme is the quintessential success appealing to the universal sense of love and peace. The amicable singer's disposition of an easy-going person helps. All said, if only love could spread like borderless music do, the world would smile. Stop the insane conflicts.

[@LadyRustedKnight]

This song just makes you smile and feel good, every time you hear it! The smile song.

[@desiguy55]

though it's actually quite sad. about sorrow and loneliness.

[@Pearcity]

@@desiguy55it hits all highs and lows, transcends borders, cultures, souls, that is the beauty.

[@dianewien683]

I have my original Capitol record of this song. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it on the radio and got the record. I only learned what the translation meant a few years ago. I just knew I loved the melody and his voice. It always made me feel happy and calm. I turned 16 in 1963 and Sukiyaki ha been in my heart all these years. Thank you for this amazing story!

[@heynow4512]

I was 10 yrs old in '63. My Issei(1st generation, migrant from Japan) obachan(grandma) had the 45 also. Side 2 was a more snappy upbeat song.

[@M5TABBYCAT]

What a lovely thing you wrote. Inspiring memories of the feeling of yesteryear within us.

[@sharonterao9613]

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

[@1950Welshman]

I always loved this song I was 13 when it came out

[@patriciamurashige6879]

It had to have been the melody cuz I still love it til this day! I was just a young teenager middle school in Hawaii!! I and American Japanese, but don’t understand Japanese ( my bad) my mom tried to teach us kids! But finally gave up😒. I didn’t know the singer was not popular in Japan 😞 !! So happy for him for being beloved by international fans!!!!

[@rockingrandma4711]

That's totally wrong!! He was very popular and loved by Japanese people!!

[@gracekouvali6903]

Brings back memories.

[@dramamama3337]

I learned so much from this documentary! I remember this song from my childhood, but never knew it was played worldwide! After reading the comments below from people growing up in other countries around the world, it touched my heart deeply . Music truly is a universal language!

[@LauraLogan-g4l]

They played this song on South african radio as well. A tune you can never forget im seventy four now. I was eleven when i first heard it

[@utena13]

i was wondering how this song was made thanks so much for uploading this!

[@lopaka173]

I remember as a young boy, in Hawaii, when this song came out. I loved it and played it as much as possible.

[@diegoulate6544]

Mom had the record and I couldn't stop listening to it everyday since I was old enough to play it by myself!. It runs strong on my Spotify!

[@stewarts8597]

I catch myself humming this song to this day. Such a great song

[@elderhiker7787]

This was a great story that’s touched me emotionally. I, of course, remember the song and its popularity, but this back story makes it even more significant and meaningful for me. Rather than just a piece of nostalgia from my youth, I understand it’s universal appeal to so many people throughout the world. Amazing story. Thanks for sharing

[@dawnmartin4625]

We moved to Guam in the late 70’s, my dad was military. My parents bought me a jewelry box and this song was what played. Very fond memories!

[@kenzikingzio9289]

My first time heard this song, i was 7yrs old and immediately fell in love with it. Every time when I felt down and sad, this song always lifted my spirit up. Now I'm in my 40's and this song is still a big part of my life. Thank you Mr. Sakamoto Kyu🙏💝🙇‍♂️SUKIYAKI💝

[@BazzaMarama]

I remember it well. It was a hit down here in New Zealand.

[@lastfirst4056]

*One of my favorite song a very popular one when it came out in The Philippines. Thank you Sakamoto.*

[@CJ-wu9jq]

just watched...fascinating! i am in my 60's and have loved this song since i first heard it with my older sister in the mid 60's. when i am feel really down or feeling defeated i find this song on youtube and feel myself ready to battle the demons. can't explain it but this song just lightens my mood, warms my soul and gives me hope. thank you to the people who made this document happen.

[@sharbymj]

I grew up listening and loving this song. I still listen to it. Any friends of mine that are more than ten years younger than me think I'm crazy and can't understand what I see in it. But this song is special. The sadness and feelings in his voice don't need to be translated and still makes me cry. I'm 70.

[@tianzi49]

Taste of Honey, an R&B group, sang this in English, and it was a hit in the US in 1981. It rose to #1 on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts and reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

[@WT.....]

Very sure it was done with approval from Sakamoto Kyu.

[@williamwatson4354]

I remember both very well. I still prefer the original.

[@tjgoforth2557]

I will never forget hearing this song for the first time. I fell in love with the melody and the voice of the singer. It remains one of my all time favorite songs.

[@llk-f2b]

Thank you for this video. This documentary on Sakamoto Kyu was well done. Learning the complete story behind the song was so interesting. Growing up I loved the song and even in the present day whenever I hear this song it brings both joy and sorrow.

[@creative-impact-grow]

Mi Opinión: Saying thank you is an understatement. It is the most impressive song of my life in the USA, since my origins are Argentine. A song introduced into my life by the Japanese mother I adopted. A compact biography full of great history and lessons, letting us know that music, sung from the heart, can cross borders and years. Gracias , Thank You, どうもありがとう

[@sharronbrown9182]

Thank you so much! This was my favorite song in high school, and every day one of my best friends and I would go to a Cafe near our school for lunch, and every day I would play Sukiyaki! Thank you again for such a wonderful documentary, that brings back so many good memories. ❤❤️❤️🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@llorablan9588]

How could I keep from smiling when hearing this song, and especially when watching him sing? Thanks for the upload.

[@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.

[@nighthawktt]

Loved thar song since childhood. This was an inspirational post for me Thank you kindly 💐

[@barbarawoodhouse5514]

I well remember this song, sung beautifully, and so uplifting. I'm 74 now. ❤

[@carolcappleman7680]

I heard this melody in the 1980's which touched my heart and kept what I felt there. .Today is 10/31/2024 and I just happened to see this beautiful documentary about the song Sukiyaki and the singer Kyu Sakamoto. .I don't know but I'm crying listening to his voice singing. .whistling. . . .it evokes a feeling or a string of feelings I'm trying to capture. . .wonder. .joy. .sadness. .yearning. .love. .hope. .strength. . .

[@lopaka173]

What a wonderful moving video. Thank you for providing the background of Kyu. Gone but not forgotten 🙏🏽

[@beenarboy]

This song resonates with me more than any other song I can ever remember as a child I’m 67 years old now and it has once again raised my soul. What an incredible story a part of my survival to this song and once again, I hope that it always seems to hold me too in my heart

[@ericsadler9664]

This song means so much to my family. My kids and I would play it and sing with their Baachan. She passed away earlier this year.❤ We miss you Mom.

[@Taiyou536]

I ma sorry for your loss - from Germany

[@GODISMYSTERIOUS]

It was extremely popular in Hong Kong. I took a lyric book to sing along. I was still a child.

[@geovanniinusa5973]

What a wonderful and enlightening video. I never knew the meaning behind the song. I just liked it and listen to it today.

[@Suga73587]

He is my favorite singer. I just wish I could have met him in person ❤

[@tinacingrani5128]

My favorite song when I was 7 yrs old and still love it to this day. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and this song still makes me emotional...❤💯

[@lillygirl7238]

An excellent video regarding this childhood song that I heard while growing up in Hawaii. Thank you for sharing this story of Kyu’s song. 🫶🏻🌺🍍😎💕

[@Polyphemus47]

At 76 now, this song has been a persistent earworm for 62 years. I learned to sing it phonetically long ago, and love to sing this sweet melody even though my 'whistler' is long gone. I love the lilt in Kyu's voice, and have dozens of recordings by him. It was heartbreaking to learn of his fate back then, but he's still with us when we play the records.

[@richardbenitez1282]

I read that the main singer for sukiyaki was a national hero his entire life. Where ever he went the Japanese stood and applauded.

[@H.pylori]

I recall well this song playing on the radio back in the 1960s when I was a teenager. I was into "rock and roll" but the music and the voice just made you feel that there was something special about the song even thought I never knew what the words meant. Thank you for this video post. A definite thumbs up.

[@alfredagreen336]

tears...thank you

[@priscillakawano441]

What a nice peace my dad Japanese American is no longer with us but this song always was playing this song and singing today it’s my ringtone and today 9/16/2024 I came across this clip thinking about my dad this song

[@shirleyito1983]

九ちゃんは、私の子どもの頃のアイドルです。”上を向いて歩こう”は私の一番好きな日本の歌です。　特に、歌詞が素晴らしい。　今は、NYに長年住んでいますが、アメリカ人の友人もこの歌が大好きです。　６１年ぶりにまた人気が出てきました。日本人として誇りに思います。

[@marisrozleja8762]

I have loved this song, and the story behind it and with it, for many, many years. I have it on my iPhone in Our Favourites playlist.

[@codzy3532]

im indigenous australian this song is old as me and its still sounds good rip kyu sakamoto beautiful never forgotten ☺🖤🧡❤👍👵🦘🪃🥀💐

[@M5TABBYCAT]

It's amazing that a song that isn't in our language can touch so many international people.

[@codzy3532]

@M5TABBYCAT yes true that even my grandson likes it classic

[@johncheah5029]

I have and will always keep this song in my heart.

[@theresanakagawa5013]

Thank you Matty for posting & sharing this meaningful short documentary on the song that means so much to people globally, especially Japan. Bless Mrs.Sakamoto and her children. May they find comfort and joy whenever they play their beloved's song. May Mr. Sakamoto rest in eternal peace. Thank you for your joyful song of hope, strength love, and perseverance.

[@chrismcdonald8196]

Thank You for that

[@WalaMuffin]

Life is cruel 💔 great peoples experience short life on earth. Thanks for the songs and it everlasting memories ❤

[@rockingrandma4711]

This song is about a heartbroken lonely youngman who is searching for solace and illusive happiness that is somewhere as the season changes and trying to hold off flowing tears by looking at the heaven. Watching him sing this song you never guess what he is singing because he was that kind of youngman who was always smiling. Just happy guy!!! And being loved so much for it!!! Taken away too soon😥

[@vonnam21n91]

It's not about a beef dish ?

[@rockingrandma4711]

@@vonnam21n91 HA HA !!🙃 PS: I hate the title with passion!!!

[@vonnam21n91]

@@rockingrandma4711 it's like naming a Chinese song chow mein 🤦‍♂️

[@fndmystory]

New Zealand here 😀 Suki Yaki is still one of my favorite songs and in Kiwiland love it too ❤❤❤

[@1paulgood]

What a wonderful story… so emotional at so many levels.

[@dtna]

I remember this song back in 1961. I was in kindergarten. My family couldn't afford a Sony transister radio, but others who had them would always play this song on KHJ. They would also play "Moon River" by Henry Mancini. I miss the '60s and '70s. My great grand parents, grandparent and parents were held in an internment camp for three years during WWII. 😢

[@2ovd2]

My late mother had this record in her collection. When I hear it, I always imagine my mother in her younger years enjoying this song! 20 years since she passed. I’ll always love her and miss her!

[@sharonterao9613]

Thank you for this I had no idea

[@AdamSofineti]

I love this song and many others from Kyu Chan. Thanks for sharing this documentary!

[@jj963963jj]

What a legend song SUKIYAKI, brings not the Japanese but the whole world spirits to stand strong 🎀🎀

[@yinglinglai5551]

This is such a beautiful story that I didn’t know until today. The melody was buried in my mind for decades and I just learned so much from watching this video….😢 I’m sure so many people are touched as soon as they hear the melody just like me and I’m a 63-yr-old Taiwanese living in California….❤

[@1rwjwith]

It shows that a great melody transcends language. His voice was perfect for it.

[@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.)

[@chazmann108]

I was 8 years old in 1963. We had a little transistor radio which I took on our front porch and sat for what seemed like hours, holding that radio to my ear waiting patiently for this song to play on the local AM radio station WABC with 'cousin Brucie'. I had no idea why I needed to hear this song, I only knew it appealed to me in an unspoken way. Perhaps the singer's 'crying' voice made me feel some emotional attachment to the 'feeling'. Whatever the lure was, evidently I was not alone as the song was a huge hit! Japanese culture was soon to be part of our youth culture as 'AstroBoy' and 'Gigantor' cartoons began to show up on Saturday mornings. It was subtle and as kids, we weren't politically aware but we liked what we were seeing. It was only many years later when eating in an authentic Japanese restaurant that I discovered that 'Sukiaki' was a meat dish on the menu!

[@JamesPfeiffer-z2j]

Thanks for sharing. I always loved this song and it still brings so many memories back 😊.

[@scullysensei]

I remember this song growing up in Hawaii. It reminds me of my youth.

[@hori166]

From a musical analysis standpoint, "Sukiyaki" hits all the "right notes". It's Mozartian in its melody, the way it leaves its tonic key, inches up, hits a couple of plateaus, and then returns to a satisfying conclusion in the tonic key. Even though the lyrics are not understood by English speakers, the open vowels mimic familiar "crooners" and even "yodelers" which add emotional punch.

[@kindface]

This must be one of my three all-time favourite wistful-yet-hopeful songs. The melody is, quite simply, just perfect. It's nigh impossible to nail down melodies that perfectly capture the emotions of longing tinged with hope. This song did it. It's perfection.

[@virginiaallen3406]

I heard this on the school bus going home from school from my friends transistor radio... everybody liked it ❤ 1963 over 60 yrs ago

[@maximem1033]

I'm a french student in journalism, and for me, Kyu Sakamoto was, and still is the best japanese singer of the 20th century. His charisma and his powerful voice made him likable all around the world, a little genius at the time❤

[@southerneruk]

His record done very well in the UK also

[@guruofficial2]

Sukiyaki still popular here now in Indonesia. Since 1990s very popular in Jakarta capital Karaoke KTV. I myself liked to sing it. Played it with Piano Keyboard. Best regards from Indonesia of the Southeast Asia 🇮🇩 🇯🇵

[@Leota713]

My grandma would stop what she was doing to listen to this-- with a smile. When she went to japan to visit, she bought me a copy of the record--my very first record.

[@Taiyou536]

I was born in 1963 so I have missed that :( I am grateful that I can listen to it NOW .

[@franco3584]

One of my all time favorite songs .

[@Jennifer-jf2gp]

I remember her Sukiyaki during middle school, such beautiful time we lived in.

[@rahatqureshi264]

Still listening 2024 october . Loved it since i heard it as a teenager

[@cklow100]

Such a beautiful story, very sad at the end. Love and Peace to all.

[@patriciamurashige6879]

What a fantastic documentary of Mr. Kyu Sakamoto! And his legacy… I love the back story of all involved.. the lyricist, the producer and most of all Ms Nobuko Manase !! I’m so happy I got to hear about his early life and rise to international stardom! Kudos to the talented people in the industry who knew that Kyu had this undeniably quality!!! His voice might not have been Japan style then , but it is was the world needed !!! A taste of Honey. I swear she must have been Japanese in her previous life!! To connect to the song at a young age no prejudices just music from the heart!!! So happy she got to meet Mr Sakamoto in person.

[@raymondthompson1476]

A wonderful tribute to a beautiful song, and all involved with its worldwide inspiration and success.