Song #92 - "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto

#1 for weeks of June 15, 22, and 29th, 1963. 

     Now here's a one-time occurrence, a Japanese language song hitting #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In modern times, Japanese pop culture has certainly had a great impact on American society, from animation, to entertainment, to cuisine. As for Japanese music, their variety of pop is certainly more likable than the dreck on today's American top 40. As for their rock music, check out the band "The Pillows" for some astoundingly underrated 90's rock albums. 

     However, back in 1963, Japan was perhaps still seen in a negative light by some Americans who still had bad memories of World War II. Perhaps it was a sign that since Kyu Sakamoto's "Sukiyaki" became such a hit, America was now starting to look past those dark days, and realize what a wealth of culture Japan had. 

    I really did not know what to expect with this song as I had never actually taken the time to listen to it. Due to the song being covered in a disco arrangement some years later, I almost expected this to be an unbearable bubblegum pop song. Turns out I was wrong, very wrong. 

     "Sukiyaki", which according to translations is a song about trying to look on the positive side while undergoing immense sadness, was actually released in 1961 under its original name, "Ue o Muite Arukō", meaning "I Look Up As I Walk". Why the Americans decided to re-title the 1963 re-release of the song after a Japanese soup dish (Sukiyaki) is a laughably absurd mystery. 

     Musically this song is almost an Eastern Frank Sinatra-esque crooner tune. It has a gentle upbeat swing rhythm with a full orchestral backdrop. I personally found this to be rather charming and it helps that Kyu was a good vocalist as well. Even the lyrics, when translated, are rather striking. All in all, it's something quite different, but nonetheless is enjoyable. 

     I should lastly mention how there were a number of English-language cover versions of this song over the years. However, since all of them fail to properly translate the lyrics, or just make up their own lyrics entirely, there's no point in me seeking them out. 

Final Verdict - This song surprised me, and I went from having low expectations to finding this to be a buried gem among all of the more sugary American pop of '63. Give it a spin yourself, it's surly worth it. 

           Coming Up Next - "Easier Said Than Done" by The Essex. 

               Until Next Time - Watashi Wa Isha Rokku Gozen!