Sukiyaki[1] (Original title “Ue o Muite Arukou” by Kyu Sakamoto[2], 12/10/1941—8/12/1985)

This song holds one of my earliest musical memories. I would listen to an instrumental version over and over sitting on the floor in front of the hi-fi that mom won in a radio contest. Mom and dad kept a dozen or so 72 rpm albums. Sukiyaki was on one record that dad brought home from the war. When I was 14-years old, Sukiyaki sung by Kyu Sakamoto became a popular hit. I cannot hear it without remembering the old hi-fi—mom and dad—and the love I inherited from them both. As the song says, “I look up when I walk so the tears will not fall.” Happy Birthday, Daddio! Ma, I love you always! The recording artist Kyu Sakamoto was born while the knell of his country’s attack on Pearl Harbor still echoed. Sadly, In 1985, he perished in the crash of Japan Airlines flight 123—one of the deadliest air disasters in history. Ue o Muite Arukou was his biggest hit.

[1] Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C35DrtPlUbc

[2] Read about Kyu Sakamoto at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyu_Sakamoto