Sukiyaki

Song Meaning of Sukiyaki by Kyu Sakamoto

The song was written by composer Hachidai Nakamura and lyricist Rokusuke Ei. With the verses reflecting his recollections and emotions, the song's lyrics depict the tale of a guy who glances up while walking and whistles to stop his tears from falling.

While returning home from taking part in the 1960 Anpo demonstrations against the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, Ei composed the lyrics to express his annoyance and despair at the treaty's failure. However, the words were written with the intention of being able to be applied to any lost love.

The lyrics in the English language of the version that A Taste of Honey recorded are not a translation of the original lyrics in Japanese; rather, they are a whole separate set of lyrics placed to the same fundamental tune.

Sukiyaki lyrics by Kyu Sakamoto

[Kanji:]

上を向いて歩こう

涙が零れないように

思い出す春の日

一人ぼっちの夜

上を向いて歩こう

滲んだ星をか数えて

思い出す夏の日

一人ぼっちの夜

幸せは雲の上に

幸せは空の上に

上を向いて歩こう

涙が零れないように

泣きながら歩く

一人ぼっちの夜

思い出す秋の日

一人ぼっちの夜

悲しみは星の影に

悲しみは月の影に

上を向いて歩こう

涙が零れないように

泣きながら歩く

一人ぼっちの夜

一人ぼっちの夜

[English translation:]

I look up while I walk

So the tears won't fall

Remembering those spring days

But tonight I'm all alone

I look up while I walk

Counting the stars with teary eyes

Remembering those summer days

But tonight I'm all alone

Happiness lies beyond the clouds

Happiness lies above the sky

I look up while I walk

So the tears won't fall

I cry while I walk

For I am alone tonight

Remembering those autumn days

But tonight I'm all alone

Sadness hides in the shadow of the stars

Sadness hides in the shadow of the moon

I look up while I walk

So the tears won't fall

My heart is filled with sorrow

For tonight I am alone

For tonight I am alone