I am now 70 and this has to be, for me, one of the most beautiful, haunting, utterly captivating songs I have ever heard. Whenever I hear the song I feel as if I am transported somewhere to some place that is so beautiful as to be almost painful it’s a time capsule back to the 1960s. I have lost track of the times I have played it his voice is just amazing. The greater tragedy by far is that he died prematurely in one of the worst air crashes in history. This is a remarkable documentary of things I had no idea, even though I’ve listened to so many about this beautiful human being. Thank you for this timeless classic Kyu Sakamoto!

I am Jamaican, I fell in love with this song as a child. It made me interested in Japan and her people. In time, I got to teach English online to Japanese people. It was so much fun and my students (of all ages) were the most polite people ever. Eventually, my twin sons taught themselves Japanese and moved there to work in IT. Soon, I will see Japan myself - especially the cherry blossoms! All because of this tender, beautiful song. Thank you Kyu san.

This is without doubt the finest documentary of this type I have ever seen. Whoever put it together is truly a master at his craft. The quality of the footage, the way it is all woven together, the narration - is spot on and, he or she, should be very proud of the work they have given the world about this delightful man and this beautiful song he sang.

i loved this song as a child - it was part of the 60s innocence.

九ちゃんは、私の子どもの頃のアイドルです。”上を向いて歩こう”は私の一番好きな日本の歌です。　特に、歌詞が素晴らしい。　今は、NYに長年住んでいますが、アメリカ人の友人もこの歌が大好きです。　６１年ぶりにまた人気が出てきました。日本人として誇りに思います。

This touching NHK documentary made me even appreciate the song more. I wasn't aware of the impact it had on the Japanese-American community. That was most touching especially when it was recounted how it brought a smile to a first generation issei who probably endured all the hardships of being an "enemy alien". A purely Japanese song being heard on American radio and hitting No. 1. Wow! Thanks for posting this Ms. matty.

Wonderful story by all… Thank you.. I’m naturalized US citizen, born and raised in Japan, loved this song from mid 60’s..

What a beautiful smile he had.

I am Papua New Guinean..and I love this song..I play it every night and day to my unborn twins..

My students and I visited Western Honshu in 1999. One night the teachers and I went to Karaoke’ and I requested “Sukiyaki.” I was ten when I first heard it in 1963. We had a blast and I’d had too much sake’.........

New Zealand here Suki Yaki is still one of my favorite songs and in Kiwiland love it too