Kyu Sakamoto’s “Sukiyaki” became the only Japanese-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
Originally titled “Ue o Muite Arukō,” meaning “I Look Up as I Walk,” the song was written by Hachidai Nakamura and lyricist Rokusuke Ei. It was recorded by Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto in 1961 and became a major hit in Japan and other countries.
A British record executive suggested the easier international title “Sukiyaki,” borrowing the name of a Japanese dish even though the song’s lyrics are unrelated to food. Capitol Records released it in the United States, where it reached No. 1 in June 1963 and stayed there for three weeks.
The recording remains distinctive in Hot 100 history because it is performed entirely in Japanese. The title “Sukiyaki” can cause confusion with later songs using the same word, but the chart-topping recording refers specifically to Sakamoto’s 1961 performance.