SUKIYAKI

SUKIYAKI – 2008

“Ue o Muite Arukō” or “I Look Up As I Walk” is a Japanese-language song that was performed by Japanese crooner Kyu Sakamoto, and written by lyricist Rokusuke Ei and composer Hachidai Nakamura. Ei wrote the lyrics while walking home from a Japanese student demonstration protesting continued US Army presence, expressing his frustration at the failed efforts.

In Anglo countries, it is best known under the alternative title “Sukiyaki”.  Well-known English-language cover versions with altogether different lyrics include “My First Lonely Night” by Jewel Akens in 1966 and “Sukiyaki” by A Taste of Honey in 1980.