Sukiyaki 上を向いて歩こう (Kyu Sakamoto ukulele cover)

Back in my youth before I could afford to buy records, most of the music I listened to was on the radio. I would fall asleep sometimes with the radio on. One morning at around 4:00 a.m., I somehow woke up with this song playing on the radio. After listening to it, I couldn't go back to sleep! So I just lay in bed and listened to the radio until it was time to go to school.
[D] Ue o [Bm] muite [D] aru[Bm]ko
[D] Nijin [F#m] da hoshi [Bm7] o kazo[A7] ete
[D] Omoida[Em]su [Em7] natsu no [F#7] hi
[Bm] Hito[G]ri [F#m] bo[Em]cchino [D] yoru [D7]
[G] Shiawase wa kumo [D] no ue [D7] ni
[G] Shiawase [Gm] wa sora [D] no [E7] ue [A7] ni
[D] Ue o [Bm] muite [D] aru[Bm]ko
[D] Namida [F#m] ga kobo[Bm7]re nai [A7] yo-ni
[D] Naki naga[Em]ra [Em7] aru[F#7] ku
[Bm] hito[G]ri [F#m] bo[Em7]cchino [D] yoru [ G -- F#m -- Em7 ]
[ D / Bm / D / Bm / D / F#m / Bm7 / A7 / ]
(whistle melody)
[D] Omoida[Em]su [Em7] aki no [F#7] hi
[Bm] Hito[G]ri [F#m] bo[Em]cchino [D] yoru [D7]
[G] Kanashimi wa hoshi [D] no kage [D7] ni
[G] Kanashimi [Gm] wa tsuki [D] no [E7] kage [A7] ni
[D] Ue o [Bm] muite [D] aru[Bm]ko
[D] Namida [F#m] ga kobo[Bm7]re nai [A7] yo-ni
[D] Naki naga[Em]ra [Em7] aru[F#7]ku
[Bm] Hito[G]ri [F#m] bo[Em7]cchino [D] yoru [ G -- F#m -- Em7 ]
[Bm] Hito[G]ri [F#m] bo[Em7]cchino [D] yoru [ G -- F#m -- Em7 ]
[ D / Bm / D / Bm / D / F#m / Bm7 / A7 / ]
(whistle melody and fade)
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, and teaching. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. My videos are for private practice and feedback.

[@rosa_this_or_that_5dogs]

I remember when I first heard this song in Japanese when my stepfather played it. My stepfather was born in Japan. I heard in Spanish to Selena sings it’s a very beautiful song. John you have a beautiful voice

[@paxukulele]

Many thanks, Rosalinda! I haven't heard Selena's Spanish version, so I'll check it out now! Have a great week! 😀

[@BillPfohl-l7z]

There is a Guardian Angel for everyone you Know!!! WELL DONE !!!!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Bill! 😀

[@elizabethmontgomery4024]

always loved this song...a very big hit in New Zealand in the very early 60's....one of my earliest music memories

[@paxukulele]

This song takes me back to my childhood! Thanks for watching! : )

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Dahur! This was one of the most difficult songs I've tried... not just because of the language but also the chords and the whistling. Not sure how many takes I did, but my fingers were aching afterwards! So glad you like it!

[@musicaenostalgia4253]

Kkkk vc conseguiu ?? Estou tentando, está difícil fazer a batidas 🇧🇷👏🇯🇵

[@OnlyUkeThatMatters]

Sweet version of a great song---arigatou gozaimashita!

[@kunmaya4146]

Hi !! John . It's the best way to learn by the song of Japanese. I hope to visit Japan someday and visit my japanese teacher there. でわ、また。

[@lindaa67]

I love this song I can hear it over and over. I love how you sing it John.

[@cathiestuart3790]

This truly is a beautiful version of this most lovely song; I don't need to understand the words to appreciate this artists rendition.

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Cathie! I loved this song, too, even before I knew what the words meant! It sounded like a happy song to me but the words are actually pretty sad.

[@cathiestuart3790]

@@paxukulele I should had also noted that you presented it beautifully, you do have a clear lovely voice. I don't mean to impose and you don't need to answer but are you Hawaiian?

[@paxukulele]

@@cathiestuart3790 Thanks, Cathie! No Hawaiian blood, but I was born and raised in Hawaii. Lived there the first half of my life and visit when I can. I still have family there! Do you have any connection to Hawaii? : )

[@cathiestuart3790]

@@paxukulele No, no connection at all, I'm in very cold Minnesota USA. right below Canada. Maybe one of these days I will travel to Hawaii

[@paxukulele]

@@cathiestuart3790 I hope you can make it to Hawaii someday! And Japan, too! : )

[@nanpop2906]

Thanks for the lyrics and chords makes it so easy for me🤗🌻👍Awesome

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Nan! Keep playing and practicing! : )

[@Ukulelesolo]

Watched it again. Beautiful. Love the intro.

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Brenda! Wow, I haven't seen you for a while! I hope all is well. 😀

[@paxukulele]

Thank you! Next year will be the 50th anniversary of this song reaching Number One in the U.S.!!

[@silviochan89]

beautiful voice

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Silvio! I really appreciate it! : )

[@maryruffcorn1358]

Oh this reminds me of being a kid! I also heard it on the radio! Love it. Beautiful.

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Mary! : )

[@silviochan89]

your voice make my day, thank you

[@paxukulele]

I'm so glad you like this video! Have a great week! : )

[@kallreader7376]

Awesome rendition of a favourite song! Great job

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, kall reader! I really appreciate it! Have a great weekend! : )

[@meutianandhita5774]

It’s 2021 and i’m here still listening this beautiful song! Wonderful cover :)!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Meutia! I really appreciate it! : )

[@rhondabaveas1678]

That was truly beautiful. We played this today at our ukulele group I've loved this song forever. Sad but lovely. Thank you for the tabs ❤

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Rhonda! One of my all-time favorite songs! : )

[@AziyadeRaqs]

This is so beautiful! You sound wonderful! I discovered this song after watching "Up on Poppy Hill" and went looking for a ukulele version. BEAUTIFUL!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Aziyade! I'm glad you like my rendition! Have a great 2024! 😀

[@tippersteffi1]

Wow….Outstanding!!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, tippersteffi! I really appreciate it! Hope all is well with you! : )

[@dahur]

Oh man, I was hoping one day you might do this beautiful song....and then I find you already have..! Thank you so much John...this is one of the best from the sixties we love. Another great job. R.I.P. Kyu

[@panhandlingray]

Thanks for the song. Loved it.

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Sheb! I really appreciate it! 😀

[@chrishenderson7510]

Thank you for the translation..always liked the smooth melody of this song...

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Chris! I thought the translation would be useful. Before I knew what the Japanese words meant, I used to think this was a happy song, but in reality, it's sad!

[@donsuparman]

Thanks for this, man! The lovely tune on your ukelele just made my heart felt the need to buy a ukelele and play this song on it.. Again, thanks you for sharing this..

[@btlocher]

Love this song, and your cover! Remember it well from my youth....Great, just made my morning!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Bill! Amazing to think this Japanese song reached Number One on Billboard, one of the few foreign language songs to do so! : )

[@alisdar1234]

Lovely🙂

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, alisdar! Really appreciate it! 😀

[@BarneyFife00]

Really enjoyed your version. Bravo!

[@paxukulele]

Hey, how's it going my friend? Thank you! : )

[@coffeebro8387]

beautiful

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Coffee Bro! : )

[@c.chiyomiracoma9988]

love this song

[@paxukulele]

+C.chiyomi Racoma Me, too! : )

[@rosa_this_or_that_5dogs]

I love ❤️ this song it very beautiful you sang and played it very beautifully?

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Rosalinda! I always appreciate your nice comments! 😀

[@Mikael909]

This is a beatiful cover, great voice and you sure have a great ukulele toon ❤

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Mikael! I really appreciate it! : )

[@fernandourrunaga]

Fantastic

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Fernando!

[@kevina5584]

I just found your channel. Awesome job. Your renditions are so relaxing and easy to listen to!

[@paxukulele]

+Kevin A Thanks, Kevin! I really appreciate!

[@geralynpalacol9295]

Pretty song🎶🎶🎶. THANK YOU!!!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Geralyn! : )

[@midasbrain]

I like the strumming technique of this song. Going to have to try it out. Beautiful work by the way.

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Izzy. For me, it's kind of a boom-chuck, boom-chuck rhythm. My boom is picking the low-G string with the thumb, and the chuck part is a down-strum with the forefinger.

[@thecafestory]

Wow this is amazing!! The lyrics are beautiful. I really like this cover even though i do not understand the language at all :):)

[@Capn_Jack]

Lovely

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Tyler! : )

[@paxukulele]

It's a variation of the pick-strum technique I like to use (you can find the tutorial on my channel). The thumb hits the low-G string on the upbeat of the 4th beat then the thumb continues downward strumming the other strings on the downbeat. This is followed by a brisk downward strum on the second beat. I might actually depart from the basic pattern because I strum by feeling rather than intention, but I think it's basically that.

[@Mosaic631]

Love this song. Great cover!

[@paxukulele]

+Mosaic631 Thanks, Mosaic! : )

[@chrismaiolani6606]

This is great .Thank you for doing this cover

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Chris! : )

[@kaijukidsam]

Beautiful!

[@MrPhoto15]

well DONE !!! great job , thanks for sharing your GREAT TALENT

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Luis! I really appreciate it! : )

[@JamesShelton59]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this!

[@xiaomii0685]

This is some great stuff! Amazing! Loving it :)

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Xiaomii! : )

[@kbaloha83]

Aloha John, had a hard time with the Bm, G, F#m... etc chord change until I played along with you! Cannot thank you enough!

[@paxukulele]

Glad to hear it, Keith! You gotta do the whistling part, too! : )

[@kbaloha83]

Haha, that's the only part I could do until I found your channel!

[@pabrizzer]

Beautifully done.

[@paxukulele]

Thank you, Rosalinda! I really appreciate it! Have a safe and happy holiday season!

[@graywellstudioskeie9966]

amazing cover :)

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, GraywellStudio! I really appreciate it! : )

[@kunmaya4146]

It's sound very nice to me , John. Thank you !!!

[@kunmaya4146]

Hi John, Thanks a lot for nice japanese song. I studying japanese language by myself everyday. I hope it would help some japanese patient ,cause I'm a nurse. And I love Japan too. どうもありがとうございます。

[@paxukulele]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@drinxs505]

that was pretty good.I like it.good singing

[@paxukulele]

+Haitsi Lucero Thanks, Lucero! I appreciate it! : )

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, James! I really appreciate it!

[@TheVineyarder]

excellent Paxukulele!

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Vineyarder! I really appreciate it! 😀

[@paxukulele]

Thanks so much for your nice comment! I really appreciate it! :)

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Brian!

[@KennyP88]

Sweet! I really enjoy your videos John. :)

[@OZZYTA32]

♥️ Hermosa!!

[@paxukulele]

+OZZYTA32 Gracias, Ozzy! : )

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, kassykatful! The chords and lyrics are in the info section of this video. Just click on "show more."

[@paxukulele]

Thank you! I really appreciate it and hope you get a ukulele! Happy strumming!

[@zombiecharlesdarwin]

This is fantastic. For anyone trying to work out the strum pattern I believe its as follows: T - D P T - D P T is a down strum with the thumb P is picking the low G string with the thumb

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, zombiecharles! I really appreciate it!

[@kristianwenzlawski912]

nice !

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Kristian! : )

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Ken! Really appreciate it! : )

[@kassykatful]

Oh alright!! Haha thanks! :)

[@paxukulele]

Hello! Thanks for your nice comment! Somehow I missed it... sorry for the delay in responding.

[@paxukulele]

@theloudhalo It was amazing for a Japanese language song to hit number one on the American charts!

[@ismailsaragih8659]

nice...

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Ismail! : )

[@ismailsaragih8659]

add me in Face Book : Boyzz Aeng.

[@shandichau4376]

Like it, thanks

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Shandi! : )

[@paxukulele]

@watashiwakangofu Thanks, Maya! I think listening to and singing Japanese songs is a nice way to study Japanese. Have you ever been to Japan? I hope you can visit and work in Japan someday!

[@LittleDragon2000]

My favourite Japanese song. OK, so it's the only one I know.

[@paxukulele]

@watashiwakangofu Thank you, Maya! : )

[@paxukulele]

Arigato! : )

[@gildemarcarneiro]

Wow, his Japanese is pretty good as well!

[@paxukulele]

Thank you! I wish I could speak Japanese better! :P

[@paxukulele]

Arigato!! : )

[@paxukulele]

@LittleDragon2000 The meaning of the words are in the video! Eventually, I'll have to type in the Japanese lyrics and chords for people who like to play along!

[@marshascoles-nisters6073]

oh but I like this version!

[@paxukulele]

+Marsha Scoles-Nisters Thanks, Marsha! Happy New Year! :)

[@elguapo1982]

another beautiful cover! thanks for subscribing... ;)

[@paxukulele]

@idrnoel Thanks, Dylan! I had three other Japanese songs, Studio Ghibli songs, but you know what happened! Never again...

[@carolynheitmiller4135]

That's very pretty

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Carolyn! This song was the first and I think only Japanese song to top the Billboard charts in America! : )

[@paxukulele]

@camytay1960 Hi, Cam! For this song, I'm alternating thumb and forefinger on down strokes. On beats 1 and 3, I pick the G string at the end of the upbeat before strumming the rest of the strings on the downbeat, then on beats 2 and 4, the forefinger strokes briskly on the downbeat. The rhythm is ba boom chick, ba boom chick... That said, I think you should just play the rhythm you feel. You can strum this song in different ways!

[@paxukulele]

@kaijukidsam Thank you!

[@paxukulele]

@LittleDragon2000 LOL! Lotsa good Japanese songs out there!

[@pjpj4035]

Sugoi, 😱

[@paxukulele]

Arigato, PJ! : )

[@pjpj4035]

paxukulele are you a japanese sir?

[@paxukulele]

I'm an American from Hawaii, but now living in Japan! : )

[@pjpj4035]

paxukulele oh that's why you speak japanese fluently and English too, someday i will visit japan i love japanese culture because they're polite :)

[@paxukulele]

To be honest, I'm not very fluent, but I agree, there are many things to love about Japan! : )

[@paxukulele]

@numba1lieu I just added them in the info section.

[@kassykatful]

This is the best!! Could you please give me the chords??

[@mikebbb23]

Sukiyaki John, check out this guy !1

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, Mike!

[@thecafestory]

Could you please tell me the strum pattern ? Btw you remind me of my grandpa who introduced this song to me :):) Thank you in advance

[@maryruffcorn1358]

I would like to learn this on my ukulele. Can you explain the strumming pattern?

[@paxukulele]

Basically, I'm alternating my thumb and forefinger with downward strokes, but in the case of the thumb, I'm mostly playing the G and C strings in succession. The rhythm is something like, ba-boom chuck, ba-boom chuck, ba-boom chuck...

[@maryruffcorn1358]

paxukulele Thank you! I will give it try.

[@LittleDragon2000]

PS Will you post the translation - and yes, I know that - with the English version - the meaning was Lost in Translation.

[@pjpj4035]

Can you please make a cover of I will by the Beatles :)

[@paxukulele]

Hi, PJ! I have! :)

[@paxukulele]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3TCmIivmcZqh8k

[@paxukulele]

Thanks for asking! I hope you like my rendition! :)

[@uraniademarroquin8438]

Bonito canta ese señor,algo pausadito,pero se le escucha bien

[@paxukulele]

Gracias, Urania! 😀

[@s.h9519]

This sounded great! Could you please tell me what notes you played at the very beginning before you started singing? :)

[@paxukulele]

Thanks, S.H! 2 and 4 on the low-G string, followed by a 2, 2 and 4 on the C string, followed by a 2 on the E string and 2-2 back on the C string, followed by a 2 again on the E string, followed by mandolin-style picking on the open A string.

[@s.h9519]

@@paxukulele Thank you, much appreciated!

[@jancuktamvan]

Who Watching this video 2020

[@meutianandhita5774]

2021!

[@marshascoles-nisters6073]

I bet it's not as pretty in English.

[@paxukulele]

+Marsha Scoles-Nisters A Taste of Honey put out a nice English version of the song in the early 80s!