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 learn 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 died in an airplane crash in 1985 at the age of 43.
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 deep emotions into such a simple Japanese, which has added the song even more depth.
Why “NI” at the End of Verses?
One of my students asked an interesting question.
“Why do some of the verses end in “NI“?
Example: “Shiawase wa kumo no ue NI.”
I want to share my answer here.
Those verses are incomplete sentences. For instance, the verse “Shiawase wa kumo no ue NI” is missing the verb あります (arimasu) “exist.”
しあわせは (as for the happiness) くものうえに (above the clouds) あります. (exist)
Shiawase wa (as for the happiness) kumo no ue NI (above the clouds) arimasu. (exist)
The particle に NI that marks a specific location (such as “above the clouds”) is usually a Location of Existence Marker. Therefore, it automatically signals the verb あります “arimasu” or います “imasu” to us, and it is often dropped in lyrics since we normally perceive less descriptive = more poetic.
You can learn how to use the verb “exist” on my YouTube channel.
Learn Japanese Online
Are you interested in learning Japanese? I have a free online course for you to start!
This course is self-paced, allowing you to review any lessons at your convenience and progress at your preferred pace.
It’s a great way to check if online learning is right for you. You can also assess if my teaching style aligns with your learning style.
I hope you enjoyed this post about Sukiyaki Song. ?
では、また！
In High School, (Pacific Palisades High, in West Los Angeles), about 1962; we had a from Japanese-family student, sitting in the back row of our Math Class. He was just barely heard by the teacher – humming and singing this song. To all the students amazement; the teacher commented, that he liked that song so much; that if that student wanted to sing it out loud – it was fine with him, and probably also with all the other students as well. We all nodded, saying “Yes”, So, he went ahead, and sung it loud and proudly; and did a great job!
What a lovely episode… Thank you for sharing.
I remember this beautiful sorrowful song as a young boy. Transfixed by the wonderful sounding lyrics, and although just a young boy of 8 living in Texas, it had a tremendous impact on me. Still does!
Francis-san, I’m happy to hear this song was so dearly loved by many people even outside Japan!
This song was a key part of a powerful dream I had last night. It stayed with me after waking and thankfully led to your translation and beautiful rendition. I am very often drawn to music in languages I don’t understand, and am sometimes disappointed when I do learn the meanings in my language. This time, the original words enhance my emotional connection, and your voice/spirit merges with that of Kyu Sakamoto in my soul. Thank you both for being in my life from so far away. Gil
Gil-san, Thank you for your sweet comment and I’m glad you resonated so deeply with this song.
A lot is going on energy-wise on this planet right now and we are becoming more sensitive and quickly connect to anything that matches our frequency. Perhaps that is how your spirit was drawn to the song in your dream.
I take this song as a hopeful song. “Sadness and loneliness are part of life for all of us, but let’s look up and keep walking” and Kyu Sakamoto always sang it with such a warm smile on his face. ?
It is my pleasure meeting you even virtually. Please take care of yourself and your beautiful soul!
I love this song first heart it im guessing i was about 5. My dad sent it from Japan to my mom. Didnt know what it meant for many yrs when i found out i cried
Denene-san, I’m glad understanding the meaning of the lyrics made the song even more meaningful for you. ?
Is there any truth to the story that the song was inspired by the Apo protests and a longing for Japan before the signing the mutual agreement with the US?
RR-san,
Some people interpret the song that way, but I am not sure about its credibility.
Thank you so much for your fast response. Keep up the good work too! I like your website.
ありがとうございます。(Thank you!) ?
We were listening to Sirius XM this afternoon and this song came on, before the DJ named it, I said “Sukiyaki” out loud, and my wife asked what the song was about. She saw me choke up and tear up…I could not speak until after the song was over, and I’d gone away a few minutes to compose myself. I then explained the part about walking with his face to the sky and missing his love. This song came out in North America (Canadian here) in 1963, When l was 1 ??. But I grew up hearing this song and always loved the lyrics and detected the mournful undertone without understanding the lyrics. I looked them up some years ago and finally understood why they touched me so even as a child. Many happy memories growing up in the 60s and 70s, and this song brings back both happy and sad moments. As a romantic at heart, I thank you for sharing the translation with the English speaking world. I will share these with my wife so that she may better understand my reaction; she knows I’m a softie when it comes to stories of love ?
I love this song and it wasn’t until today that I found out what it was called Brings back so many childhood memories
Someone said naming this beautiful song “Sukiyaki” would be like releasing “Moon River” in Japan and calling it “Beef Stew”
…LOL
Haha, that’s a good one! I love “Moon River”, especially the version performed by Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. ?
I have loves this song since I first heard it in the sixties and it is still my most favourite song , in fact many years ago I bought 5 brand new record singles of it in a second hand record shop, gave 1 to my sister who loves it too and still have the other 4. I now want to buy cds of Kyu Sakamoto as want to hear more of his music and beautiful voice. Thank you for your informative post
One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. He sings with so much feeling.
I have always love the song. I hum the melody a lot nowadays because I am alone and it comforts me. I thank the you for the translation.
I did not know the singer died in a plane crash and I mourn your and the world’s loss.
This song will always comfort me.
Scott-san, I’m glad the translation helped.
I often hum this song too as I love the melody and it always cheers me up. ?
Did you receive comment I sent two days ago? It looked like it went through but I haven’t seen it yet? Thought I’d check first before I did it again. Thanks!
Yes, I did see the comment. Thank you for the comment and for sharing your experience with the song. ?
I am 67yrs old the first time I heard this song i was 15 and my cousin was playing her guitar and started singing this song that very same day I had learnt the song
my cousin said its because we spoke Maori that made it easy to sing this beautiful Japanese waiata today I learnt the meaning
Ataahua (beautiful)
I was 10 when this was released. I haven’t heard it in a long time and my hubby just sat down and started playing it on the piano (no music…by ear). It made me smile to hear it. I never knew the lyrics and always thought it was a happy song. The melody and whistling cheers me up. When contemplating the lyrics, even though he is sad with tears he is looking up above the sky and clouds where happiness is. He may be trying not to cry but he keeps on walking and looking up. Very hopeful! James Taylor has a very pensive song called “That Lonesome Road”. It is similar in meaning and my all time favorite James Taylor song. Please give it a listen!
I also, like one of the gentlemen above, live in Victoria, Australia. Am lying here in bed listening to Billboard top 100 from 1963, when the Sukiyaki song came along. I’ve always loved this song, but growing up in The Netherlands of course I didn’t know what the words meant. ( didn’t know the name of the song either) so, when I just heard it, I decided to google it to see if there is a translation. As I do live in Australia I of course asked for the English translation an I came onto this. Am so glad you put it there. The song will now forever haunt me because now I know the translation. It will forever be a part of my aunty, who’s funeral s went to yesterday. How fitting that I found out the translation now. Thank you so much. I’ll have to mention this to my cousins. They played the song No regrets, Je ne regrette rien, in English which I know I’ll have trouble listening to from now on. But with your help above I’m going to learn to sing the Sukiyaki(knew it is a food in Japan, which made me more determined to find the translation) song. I know I have a good voice and will sing this fantastic song one Saturday night when I get a spot act in our monthly gatherings and I plan to do the song , and your language proud. Am lying here with tears in my eyes. The funeral and the song. Once again, thank you so much for all your information. I don’t know what else I can say but to keep thanking you. Maria (Ria) Bywater
Maria-san, I am so sorry for your loss. Reading your comment, at least I am glad that the translation helped you through a difficult time.
I am sure your beloved aunt will be happy to hear you sing the song. Please take care. ?
something that has drawn me to this song is the fact it could be taken down a solemn route, eerie, or, even murderous. of course, that’s when you don’t know the translation. it could fit in with any movie. from a clockwork orange, to even more family-friendly films like the neverending story. i usually find ways to interpret music through movie connection. it’s also a super super fun song to sing, and a great way for me to practice japanese speaking. (i’m a native english speaker, but i have a japanese penpal i’m learning for !)
Hi Yuko, thanks for posting they lyrics.
Did you know of the version of this song by American Tejano singer Selena? It is also called “Sukiyaki.” The lyrics are in Spanish and completely different from the original. It does use the same music.
I was looking for the lyrics after hearing several times this was not a love song at all. Even a Japanese friend said it was a love song! I have read it was a political protest song, and his tears were over Japan still not being completely independent of American control after WWII. The lyrics certainly do not give any indication. I thought he had died much earlier.
I always enjoyed the song, but had no idea what the words meant!
I remember this song hearing it back in the summer of 1963. I was 15 and feeling very sad, lost my mother two years before. Didn’t understand lyrics but how beautiful the tune. I sensed the lyrics were sad by the beautiful heartbreaking voice. I remember they named it sukiyaki in America so it would be easy for us to remember name. Many decades later I remembered the song and heard it on you tube. Still I hear sadness in his voice and feel my sadness in grief. I then googled his name and learned about his fate. I was heartbroken. To have such a remarkable song that’s loved by all the world sung in a foreign language which is almost a miracle in itself then to have the other end of the scope of having your life end in the most tragic aviation accident in history is mindboggling. Rest in peace Kyu, thank you for easing my teenage sadness and grief.
Memories-san, Thank you for sharing a heartwarming comment. It’s amazing this song resonated with young you on such a deep level emotionally.
Also, thank you for your kind words toward Japan and its people. It truly was nice to hear this song at the Olympics.
Thank you so much for the translation and background. Still love this song and now that I understand the meaning, I will forever be amazed and inspired.
I came here specifically for the lyrics and translation.
I was watching the closing ceremonies of the 2020 (2021?) Tokyo Olympics, and I was delighted to hear this song. None of the commentators on American TV remarked upon it (even though Johnny Weir spends a lot of time in Japan and is supposed to be fluent in the language). I guess they are all too young to remember how popular it was in the US back in the sixties. I would wager that it was a deliberate choice by the producers of the celebration to include this song as a nod to popular music at the time of the previous Tokyo Olympics. The music was played as an instrumental in a very upbeat manner, much like the original. Without the sad lyrics, it seems to be a rather happy tune.
Thank you for posting the original lyrics in transliterated form (hiragana? kanji? All Greek to me) and for providing a translation. What a warm feeling to see how many others are likewise moved. And thank you for the info about the singer. How sad that he was gone so young.
How cute is Kyu Sakamoto as he sings this song! Such charisma! So sad that he died so young!
I’ve always loved this song. I couldn’t tell you the last time I heard it, but the tune is so catchy that even though I don’t know the words yet, I was immediately able to hum along. And now that I’ve found the words in English I’m going to bookmark this page so that I can learn the words and sing it to my little grandchildren.
Robinさん、こんにちは。
Yes, the tune is so catchy and it makes us feel cheerful right away, doesn’t it? I’m sure your grandchildren will love to hear you sing this song. ?
Brings back memories, I was 8 yrs old when the song came to America, I loved it then and still love it.
I have loved this song since I was , probably four years old when I first heard it. My parents never missed any of the tv programs that had entertainers. I have to make a comment here before I go on more sbout the song. My family for many many generations back had and has many people that are very sensitive to e. s. p. And all the rest. We each have different areas that we are more in tune with and many that we all are. No matter how the reader feels about these things, just please read the rest for what it is. Back to this song. My whole family loved it and this one night my mom made TV dinners so we wouldn’t miss the program because Kyu was going to be on it. It may have been Ed Sullivan, I’m not sure. But we were so excited when he came out. Both my mom and dad had eyes tearing up. At the end of the song my mom said that it’s so sad that he died in sn airplane crash. My sister snd I were so devastated and we said when , how? My dad looked at my mom and then he told us that they didn’t know exactly when it was but it was just a while before this program snd the program must be a rerun. We were so sad. For years I would just wait for the song to play. Then a couple of years ago I got the Spotify app on my phone. I have been making playlists with every song I could think of. Then about six months ago I heard the song on Spotify. I put the heart on it and I googled Kbyu’s name and the song. I read that he died in the 1980’s. I was happy for that he didn’t die at the time when my parents had told us. I was happy that he had twenty years more. But still so sad that he died so young still. I have been studying Japanese, Korean, and Irish on a couple of apps for years. You are the first person that has taught this song. I practice with you all the time. I can’t sing it all the way through without looking at the screen yet. But it’s getting close. You make this old lady happy. Thank you so very much.
Precognition is a very real thing, one that no one yet has been able to figure out. When I was 8, I knew the way to a house over 200 miles away, yet I had never been there, or ever having been further away from my home than about 30 miles. That was in July, 1965. At 9, I knew the plots to all of the first run television shows for an entire evening. That was in October 1965, a month after my birthday. Nothing else like that ever happened to me again; I’m now 63, and still cannot explain either. My aunt, witness to the first; my mother and sister, to the second.
This beautiful song reminds me of my stay in Japan and the beautiful Japanese people I met while I was there. Everytime I hear the song it brings my mind back to Japan.
Yuko San, Mukashii – 1968 gurai, nihon ni rikugun no shigoto wo hataraki shimashita. Ano toki ni, nihongo naraimashita sore to, Sukiyaki no uta no imi naratta. Honto ni, sono imi wa boku no kokoro wo fureta yo!
Now, years later, hearing it again and refreshing my memory makes it all that much sweeter. Honto ni arigato goziamasu.
Kanemochi-san, Hajimemashite.
I’m glad the song brought back fond memories of Japan for you. Thank you for stopping by! ?
I remember this song from those days, it has often popped into my mind and I somg the few bars to myself.
20 years ago I learnt that I could sing (I am a baritone) and I sing in a number of choral groups, this song comes to my mind repeatedly.
As an Englishman, the Japanese language and its pronunciation is a mystery to me, but I will take your instruction on this song and try to learn it.
Thank you for taking the trouble to post this on Google.
Sincerely
Stephen G Bowler
Currently a resident of Victoria Australia.
My name is Danny I was in Okinawa 1967 I already knew this song let the girls in Okinawa it taught me in Japanese and I used to sing it in the clubs and they used to tease me that I was a Japanese movie star I was in the Marine corps then then later went to Vietnam I never forgot the song and I’ll never forget it I’ve always loved it thank you for sharing your messages from other people my Japanese is not as good as it used to be but I still know quite a bit thank you and God bless you
Nice comment. I loved this song when I was a teen in 1963. It has recently caught me again as an old man. Craig VN Vet Nha Trang 1971 & Phu Bai 1972. ASA spook
It’s so nice to learn that people hold many fond memories of this song. ?
Arigato.
This was such a haunting song as a teenager, now finally, I found the meaning.
Still being played on our local radio station.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this ever lasting song.
Could you be so kind as to translate the Original Japanese title to English.
King regards,
John
John-san,
The literal meaning of the Japanese title, “Ue o muite arukou” is “I will (or Let’s) look up and walk.”
Hope this helps!
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. ?
Dear YukoSensei
I woke up this morning after a previously busy day and coincidentally saw this post on your website . Thank you so much for making my morning pleasant with your soothing voice! I am really captivated. Please make more of this kind of videos! Lucky to have you as my teacher!
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. ?
I remember this song hearing it back in the summer of 1963. I was 15 and feeling very sad, lost my mother two years before. Didn’t understand lyrics but how beautiful the tune. I sensed the lyrics were sad by the beautiful heartbreaking voice. I remember they named it sukiyaki in America so it would be easy for us to remember name. Many decades later I remembered the song and heard it on you tube. Still I hear sadness in his voice and feel my sadness in grief. I then googled his name and learned about his fate. I was heartbroken. To have such a remarkable song that’s loved by all the world sung in a foreign language which is almost a miracle in itself then to have the other end of the scope of having your life end in the most tragic aviation accident in history is mindboggling. Rest in peace Kyu, thank you for easing my teenage sadness and grief. Happy to hear the song played in the Olympics, as a Greek I want to thank the Japanese people for the spectacular Olympics held in your beautiful country.
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.
That is exactly what I just read. Not written by the singer himself.