Kyu Sakamoto (1941–1985) Kyu Sakamoto (born Hisashi Sakamoto in Kawasaki, Japan) was a Japanese singer and actor whose 1963 global No. 1 hit “Sukiyaki” (originally “Ue o Muite Arukō”) made history as the first (and only) Japanese-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100. Released in Japan in 1961, the melancholic ballad—about walking while looking upward to hide tears—was retitled “Sukiyaki” for U.S. release by Capitol Records despite having no connection to the dish. Its gentle melody and Sakamoto’s emotive delivery resonated worldwide, selling over 13 million copies globally. He followed with minor U.S. chart entries and continued a successful career in Japan (music, TV, film). Tragically, Sakamoto died on August 12, 1985, at age 43 in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123, one of aviation’s worst disasters. As of 2026, “Sukiyaki” remains a cultural bridge between East and West—featured in films, covered widely (e.g., by A Taste of Honey), and celebrated in anniversary tributes. His legacy endures as a symbol of 1960s international pop crossover and poignant, universal emotion in music.