Do you know this Japanese song – Sukiyaki Song?
The original title of the song in Japanese is 上を向いて歩こう（うえをむいてあるこう）”Ue o muite arukou” by Kyu Sakamoto. ⠀
The Sukiyaki Song “Ue o muite arukou” was released in 1961 in Japan. It reached the top of the Billboard charts in the US in 1963.⠀
This is such a famous song in my country and I was truly surprised to learn that the song is called “Sukiyaki” outside Japan. ? Sukiyaki is the name of a Japanese hot pot dish and has nothing to do with the meaning of the song!⠀
They say the title “Sukiyaki” was picked only because it was short, catchy, and recognizably Japanese in English-speaking countries.⠀
Sukiyaki Song – Lyrics
One of the fun ways to learn a language is to learn from a song! ? As you sing along, you naturally learn some vocabulary, train your listening comprehension and pronunciation. ?⠀
Find below the lyrics of “Ue o muite arukou” in Japanese and English. I did sing the song in Japanese in the video, so please try singing along with me! ??
上を向いて歩こう（うえをむいてあるこう）Ue o muite arukou
I look up as I walk
涙がこぼれないように（なみだがこぼれないように）Namida ga koborenai youni
So that the tears won’t fall
思い出す春の日（おもいだすはるのひ）Omoidasu haru no hi
Remembering those spring days
一人ぼっちの夜（ひとりぼっちのよる）Hitoribocchi no yoru
And tonight, I am all alone
上を向いて歩こう（うえをむいてあるこう）Ue o muite arukou
I look up as I walk
にじんだ星を数えて（にじんだほしをかぞえて）Nijinda hoshi o kazoete
Counting the stars with tearful eyes
思い出す夏の日（おもいだすなつのひ）Omoidasu natsu no hi
Remembering those summer days
一人ぼっちの夜（ひとりぼっちのよる）Hitoribocchi no yoru
And tonight, I am all alone
幸せは雲の上に（しあわせはくものうえに）Shiawase wa kumo no ue ni
Happiness lies beyond the clouds
幸せは空の上に（しあわせはそらにうえに）Shiawase wa sora no ue ni
Happiness lies above the sky
上を向いて歩こう（うえをむいてあるこう）Ue o muite arukou
I look up as I walk
涙がこぼれないように（なみだがこぼれないように）Namida ga koborenai youni
So that the tears won’t fall
泣きながら歩く（なきながらあるく）Nakinagara aruku
But the tears well up as I walk
一人ぼっちの夜（ひとりぼっちのよる）Hitoribocchi no yoru
For tonight, I am all alone
Do you want to be able to read the lyrics in Hiragana? Try my complete Hiragana lesson!
About the Singer – Kyu Sakamoto
The singer, 坂本九（さかもときゅう）Kyu Sakamoto was called 九ちゃん Kyu-chan by Japanese people and dearly loved. Sadly, he was killed in an airplane crash in 1985 at the age of 43.
Here is the original version of Sukiyaki Song by Kyu Sakamoto.
Beautiful Lyrics in Japanese
The lyrics tell the story of a man who looks up and whistles while he is walking so that his tears won’t fall. The verses of the song describe his memories and feelings.
The lyricist of this song, 永六輔（えいろくすけ）Rokusuke Ei put a deep emotions into such a simple Japanese, which has added the song even more depth.
Learn Japanese Online
Are you interested in learning Japanese? I have a free online course for you to start. It is a self-faced course but I will always be there to assist you throughout the course. You can leave any questions you may have!
I hope you enjoyed this post about Sukiyaki Song. 🙂
Did you already know about the son? How did you like the song if this is the firs time you heard it? Leave me comments below! では、また。
裕子先生（ゆうこせんせい）Yuko sensei
I loved this song as a kid and always wondered what was being said. This was the first record that I owned. My Dad bought it for me. Thank you for solving the question for me.
Robyn-san,
I’m glad the translation helped and brought back fond memories for you. 😊
Thank you so much for this!
I have just learnt how to sing (in Japanese) and play this song on the Ukulele all the way from New Zealand.
This song is way older than I am but I love this song and it will live on forever
My wife left this world on May 12, 2019. Though I have heard this song many times, I learned the translated lyrics on YouTube a few months later – around what would have been our 25th anniversary. It reflected my feelings exactly, and hearing the song, or seeing the lyrics, still brings me to tears.
George-san,
I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine the pain you are going through. I hope at least the song brings you some comfort in your heart. 🙏
Hello! Thanks for posting! I remember my mother playing Kyu Sakamoto’s album growing up and my siblings and I would learn the words to our favorite songs and sing along. My sister still has that album. My dragonboat team in Berkeley California have a ukulele band and I wanted to perform Sukiyaki in one of our Zoom jam sessions. I was looking for the English translations to the song to share with the group and came across your post. I really like how you organized the lyrics. This is great! Thank you!
Hello, I was 12 years old when this song was released in the U.S. and I loved it so much that I begged my parents to buy me the 45 record. I have played this thousands of times over the years. I sang along with limited words but now thanks to you I have finally taught myself the complete lyrics in Japanese. I wonder if the artist had any idea of the cultural impact he had on many lives. For me it was a life time of fascination and love of the Japanese people and their culture. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi YukoSensei,
Watching “Dash & Lily” I heard the song and it reminded me of listening to this song in the 60’s. Thank you for the translation and this site. It’s amazing how music transcends words. The emotion conveyed (sadness, hope) was obvious at the time, this song was one of my favorites. Back then there were only 3 rock radio stations (7 tv stations) so people were limited to similar media exposure and it got plenty of air time. I was in grade school at the time and a fellow student played it on guitar. We were wondering prior to the performance how he was going to sing in Japanese but of course he did an English translation! Good luck.
Hi, I love the song, I think I used to sing it when I was just 10 🙂 But the real meaning of the song is about the US presence in Japan in the 60’s and the frustration a lot of people felt. Also, the plane crash that Sakamoto died in took more than 30 min to crash, the passengers had time to write letters to their loved ones and so did Sakamoto. A sad end.
Domo Arigatoo YukoSensei for sharing the Japanese lyrics with me. I’m now learning this song in Japanese, I have loved this song since I was a little girl of 7 years old in 1963. To me his version is the only version. I grew up in a predominately Japanese city in Southern California. I love the people, their culture, customs and food! Lol Again, Domo Arigatoo
YukoSensei.
I was just a boy of 10 when I first heard this song in 1963. I have loved it ever since. I often wondered why such a lively and pretty melody could move me to such strong emotions. I guess on some level I must have always sensed the sadness in the lyrics of which I never knew the meaning until now. Thank you! Domo Arigatogozaimashita!
Thank you its the first song i think i liked as a child i was 3 it has remaind with me all my life
A friend of mine in Japan introduced me to this song earlier this year and I immediately liked it. It’s a simple song but yet it’s full of emotion and deep meaning. It’s a really great song and a useful learning tool as well. I’m studying Japanese on my own and learning this song has helped me with pronunciation and new vocabulary. I’m also a Music Teacher in Australia and I shared
this song with my students as part of their studies this year. They all loved it too!! It’s a universal song and one that many many people can relate to and connect with.
I have loved this song from the first time I heard it back in 1961. I was only 6 or 7. I thought Suki-Yaki was a funny name for a song but, even as a little girl, I felt the sadness in the song. I grew to love it more as I got older. Now I can sing it in the Japanese. Thank you so much for the story of the song and the charismatic Kyu Sakamoto.
My ultimate favourite song! Don’t know Japanese but I’ll print your song page to try to learn it by heart! I can listen to the song over & over again!
We were on a cruise round Japan last year & we all sang the song in Japanese in one of the ship’s activities! So exciting!
I must look at your online classes!
So sad Kyu Sakamoto passed away so young😢
Beautiful song. I was a kid in the early ‘60’s and remember hearing it on the radio a lot back then. I have spent a lot of time in Japan through the years and I have many Japanese friends who are older like me. In the early years, there was never any mention of the song having anything to do with the US military in Japan. Much later, when some writers started saying that, I asked some of my older Japanese friends about it. None of them had ever heard anything about the song’s inspiration originating from a failed protest. The Japanese lyrics, directly translated to English, have nothing whatsoever to do with any protest. My older Japanese friends believe that, along the way at some point, somebody made that up, and like a conspiracy theory, it gained popularity and in that manner has continued to be told as if it were fact. The fact is that it never had anything whatsoever to do with any protest against the US presence in Japan.
I to first heard this song in 1963, the year my wife and I were married. I do not remember hearing it again until today. It was playing in the background on Netflix, “Dash & Lilly” – the start of eph. 5. I got so excited as I tried to look it up. But at 80 I had to call our youngest granddaughter. While holding my new smart phone to the TV and replaying the start of this eph. a few times, she some how was able to find it on You Tube. It brings back a lot of emotions.
My brother bought this record when I was 11 years old (in 1963) and played it over and over and over again. I had always sung my own phonetic words. It was good to finally see what they were supposed to be. And I’m happy that some of my childish attempts weren’t too far wrong.
My brother died earlier this year and this song will always remind me of him.
Thank you for your post.
Robyn
Sydney Australia.
Robyn-san,
I’m very sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing your fond memories of your brother and the song from childhood. I’m surprised to learn this song was that popular in Australia too!
Music indeed is a universal language and deeply connected to our feelings and memories of the past, isn’t it? I’m glad this post helped you to learn the Japanese lyrics and confirmed that you got it quite right as a child. 😊
Himeji ni, ni nen kan sundi imashita. Wakari mashita? Do you understand, or is my Nihongo really bad? So glad I lived there, next time its Kobe or ???. I loved Japan, even though sometimes the experience for gaijin was muzukashi! About the song, the translation helps me learn Kanji of spring (haru), summer (natsu), as well as clouds, sky, and more. It brings me back to a time when I was 3 or 4, it played on the radio. I thought it got American airplay as a way of saying, “Now the Japanese are America’s friends.” (American Occupation forces had just mostly left Japan.) Anyway, I wake up to this song to remind me of my ❤ for Japan. Also, I recall my beloved mother in the kitchen, singing to find the joy of living as a mom and housewife in a new country.
Annette-san,
Your Japanese sentence is perfect! Thank you for sharing your sweet memories of this song and the heartwarming scenery of your mother singing in the kitchen. I pictured it in my mind and made me feel very peaceful.
I’m glad the translation was helpful for you to learn some Kanji! 😊
Thank you for sharing the English translation to this song .. I have loved this song since it first came out.. so sorry to learn that the young man who sung it lost his life at such a young age.
Joyce
Joyce-san,
Yes, he left us too soon. He could have left more songs that touch our hearts if he were to live longer. I’m glad the English translation was helpful.😊
I first heard this song almost 60 years ago, and I think I still have a 7″ 45 of it.
When it was first out, all generations seemed to like it, even though none of us understood it.
I still like it.
Adrian-san,
So nice to know that the song was loved that much outside Japan. As they say, music is a universal language. ?
Oh, how I love this happy summer song of my youth! At last I used to think it was a happy song but non-the-less, thank you for singing not for us with lyrics. I love the Japanese culture… food , architecture, etc.
I think I should go teach English and engulf myself in Japan!
Domo arigato YukoSensei!
???
JJ-san,
どういたしまして。Doo itashimashite. (You are welcome!) I’m glad you enjoyed the song and it brought back fond memories from your youth. ?
I first heard this song coming from radio playing through an open window , when I was a boy of 9 years old .. I loved the tune and the voice , that was 1963, in Nottingham, England .. I’ve loved it ever since , you never forget songs like this.
Thank you Kindly Steve……..
Steve-san,
Thank you for sharing the special memory from your childhood. It’s amazing how much this song was loved outside Japan, which I never knew. I think a beautiful song sung by a warm voice touches everyone’s heart in the same way regardless of the country. ?
Hi Yuko Sensei! I came upon your version of one of the best melodies of my youth. Thankyou for singing it so sweetly! Like other commenters, I too am brought back to memories of my youth while listening to the beautiful melody. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know the exact words but in my mind the thoughts are universal! … here lies my problem, … I can’t sing! … but the melody has inspired me to thank and share all the love to our First Responders! … I was hoping to send you the words that blend into the song and was hoping you would sing them, …. and if other people in the world hear it and fall in love with the song, then they too can sing in other languages and help spread the goodwill! I would be happy to send the words to you first, or post them if you like! I thank you for just entertaining the idea! …. Please let me know! Stan C. – … ps. I refer to the song as “Sukiaki 2020”.
Stan-san,
I’m glad you enjoyed the song and am sorry that I couldn’t reply sooner.
Your suggestion to spread the gratitude towards our First Responders is so heartwarming and I’m flattered you offer me the project but I don’t think I am the right one for the job. ?
I suggest you contact YouTubers who are actually singers or have a channel related to music. They will be way more suitable for your project. Thank you for the offer though. I hope you can find someone who can participate in your project!
It is ironic I’m reading this for the first time on this particular night in June.
I was creating playlist of romantic songs and remembered the english version of this song which reminds me of an ex girlfriend (who is no longer with us). The song has significant personal meaning to me.
I was fascinated by the abundance of versions and covers of “Suliyaki” so I began to do a little deeper research on this Title. I am amazed not only to discover the historical significance of the original (Japanese) version of this emotionally powerful song but also touched by how much it relates to the events unfolding currently.
I would very much like to find an english version or cover which closely captures not only the Japanese lyrics but the significance and importance of their meaning.
Gerald-san,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the song. I can feel that the song means a lot to you.
I’ve listened to the English versions of this song many times as well. As you pointed out, however, they completely changed the lyrics and I haven’t found an English version that precisely illustrates the original meaning. I would love to listen to the version too.
ゆこ先生、こんにちは、You are an inspirational teacher. You sing beautifully and you are beautiful inside and out person. Thank you so very much for excellent English translation of 上を向いて歩こう歌！I lived in 横浜 past 4 years and enjoyed living there with my husband so much! Even though I am still trying to learn 日本語 in the States now even if I’m at still beginner stage! I taught music students in the 横須賀米海軍基地 only in English. But I Intent to continue studying to improve my Japanese language skill.
ヘイヨンさん、こんにちは。
コメントをありがとうございます。Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoy living in 横浜. ?
As for learning Japanese, it may be a long process since Japanese is totally different from English in every aspect. It’s important to be patient with yourself. One step at a time.
I have a few free online courses if you are interested. They cover only basics but you may find them useful.
Japanese online Mini-Courses
Hope it helps! では、また。
Thank you so much! I have loved this song for a long time and never thought about looking up what the lyrics meant in English. Tonight I did and stumbled on your page. I knew it had to be beautiful because of the way the music and his voice makes me feel. I had no idea how beautiful.
Andy-san, I’m glad you enjoyed the English translation of the lyrics.
It indeed is a sad but beautiful song. ?
Still loving this song. First heard in the 80s but only today I learnt the lyrics and meaning and also got to know the singer. I enjoyed singing it so much ?
Dayana-san,
I’m glad that the post helped you understand the lyrics. I constantly get surprised how much this song was loved by people outside Japan!
I first heard the song in the US at age twelve. I adored it, and felt the emotions keenly at that tender age. Today is the first time I learned the lyrics in English. I was right to feel emotional when I heard it.
Kaern-san,
Music is such an universal language that goes beyond the language barrier. The message that Kyu Sakamoto has tried to convey must have arrived in your soul at the age of twelve in the exact way he intended. ?
Yuko Sensei, mahalo nui loa for your post. Kyu Sakamoto’s song is very familiar to baby-boomers who grew up in Hawaii. It’s still a karaoke staple.
A couple of other Japanese songs that were and still are quite popular in Hawaii were “Koko Ni Sachi Ari,” recorded by many artists over the years, and “Kimito Itsumade Mo (Forever More),” by the Tokyo Happy Coats. For some of us the latter is an anthem for the summer of 1970.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Maka-san,
Thank you for the comment. Arigatoo gozaimasu!
I’m so glad to know that so many Japanese “classics” are so love by people in Hawaii. ?
I am using this song to practice 日本語, however I’m struggling with why 歩こう is translated as I am walking instead of let’s walk, and how I can tell when 歩こう means one or the other
Kelseyさん、
I’m glad you enjoy practicing with the song. When it comes to song lyrics, the translation is not particularly word-to-word. Here, the phrase 歩こう is more like the author speaking to himself rather to others, so “I walk/I am walking” is the most accurate translation.
I loved this song the first time I heard it when I was a little boy, age 11, in 1963. Tonight I was listening to it on my computer and decided to follow along with the lyrics (written with English transliterated subtitles) to see, for the first time, what the words look like and to see what is being sung. What a beautiful song. I still love it now at age 68. Rodney Aho, Spokane, Washington, USA.
Rodney-san,
Thank you for the comment. I’m glad you could understand the meaning of lyrics and sing along in Japanese. It indeed is a beautiful song. ?
I love this song. Its a ride of Nostalgia for me. I miss my childhood.
Bengia-san,
I’m glad you enjoyed the song. Quite a few people commented on YouTube that this song brings back their childhood memories. I’m amazed to learn how much this song was loved outside Japan! ?
I learned this song when I was a kid. We sang it all the time. Learned a couple of other Japanese songs by a wonderful music teacher. Still love this song.
Mere-san,
Did you learn the song in Japanese? That’s wonderful! Your sensei must have been a talented music teacher. ?
I heard the song for the first time. It is so nice I really enjoyed it.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Prasad-san,
Arigatoo gozaimasu. Thank you! I’m glad you liked the song. ?
Love the song! Heard it for the first time
Stephanie-san, Arigatoo gozaimasu.
I’m glad you enjoyed the song! ?
indeed, iwas very impress about this songlyrics of yours. at first iheard about some good melodies and others . it gave me joy happiness and morwe. all ican say is that make mor love songs etc. your always with me anywhere ig. and other words that i want to take this oppurnity at this moment. ps.i forgot the word or a good lovely sayings .best fan. of sukiyaki .more power to the band. danny
Danny-san,
Thank you for the kind comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the song. ?
This song also gives me joy and happiness every time I listen to it. I think the beautiful melody soothes everyone’s mind although the lyrics are quite sad.
Very useful and interesting. Thank you! Keep it coming!
Thomas-san,
I’m glad you enjoyed the song. 🙂
I have loved this song since it originally came out. My husband was stationed in Okinawa and Japan in those days and we never knew the words in English until today, 57 years later! We heard the English version sung by a woman so I looked it up on my tablet and I had no idea that was the meaning. Still love the original version best.
Rose-san,
Oh, wow. You and your husband were actually in Japan when this song came out. I’m glad my post helped you learn the meaning of the song at last. I’ve heard the English version too but they completely changed the meaning of the song. I also love the original best. The lyrics embodies deeper feelings in such simple words.
Said to be inspired by the ANPO student protests of May 1960, but written in a way that keeps it general.
abcd-san,
I didn’t know the background of the song. Thank you for sharing.