If you ask any Westerner to name one Japanese song, they will likely say “Sukiyaki”.
Originally titled “Ue o Muite Arukou” (I Look Up As I Walk), this masterpiece by Kyu Sakamoto is the only Japanese song to ever reach Number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts (in 1963).
Why is this song perfect for learners?
- Slow Tempo: You have plenty of time to pronounce each syllable.
- Clear Enunciation: Kyu Sakamoto sings very clearly, making it easy to mimic.
- Simple Vocabulary: The lyrics use basic words describing everyday actions and feelings.
Official Video: Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou)
Pronunciation Guide
This song is great for practicing your Vowels (A-I-U-E-O).
- “oo” sounds like ‘oo’ in “Moon”.
- “oh” sounds like ‘o’ in “Go”.
- “eh” sounds like ‘e’ in “Met”.
Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou): Phonetic Lyrics
Verse 1: Walking Alone
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ue o muite arukou | Oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh | I look up as I walk |
| Namida ga koborenai you ni | Nah-me-dah gah koh-boh-reh-nai yoh-knee | So that my tears won’t fall |
| Omoidasu haru no hi | Oh-moy-dah-soo hah-roo no he | Remembering those spring days |
| Hitoribocchi no yoru | He-toh-ree-bot-chee no yoh-roo | On this lonely night |
Verse 2: The Summer Night
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ue o muite arukou | Oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh | I look up as I walk |
| Nijinda hoshi o kazoete | Knee-jin-dah ho-she oh kah-zoh-eh-teh | Counting the blurred stars |
| Omoidasu natsu no hi | Oh-moy-dah-soo nat-soo no he | Remembering those summer days |
| Hitoribocchi no yoru | He-toh-ree-bot-chee no yoh-roo | On this lonely night |
Bridge: Happiness and Sadness
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Shiawase wa kumo no ue ni | She-ah-wah-seh wah koo-moh no oo-eh knee | Happiness lies beyond the clouds |
| Shiawase wa sora no ue ni | She-ah-wah-seh wah soh-rah no oo-eh knee | Happiness lies above the sky |
Verse 3: Autumn Tears
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ue o muite arukou | Oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh | I look up as I walk |
| Namida ga koborenai you ni | Nah-me-dah gah koh-boh-reh-nai yoh-knee | So that my tears won’t fall |
| Nakinagara aruku | Nah-key-nah-gah-rah ah-roo-koo | Walking while crying |
| Hitoribocchi no yoru | He-toh-ree-bot-chee no yoh-roo | On this lonely night |
Vocabulary Corner: The Seasons of Sadness
The song beautifully uses seasons to describe memories. Learn these 4 words:
1. Ue (上)
- Meaning: Up / Above.
- Context: “Ue o muite” means “Looking up”. You will see this kanji everywhere in Japan (on elevators, signs, etc.).
2. Namida (涙)
- Meaning: Tears.
- Context: “Namida ga koborenai” (So tears won’t spill). A very poetic way to say he is trying not to cry.
3. Haru (春) & Natsu (夏) & Aki (秋)
- Meaning: Spring & Summer & Autumn.
- Context: The song cycles through seasons. Verse 1 is Spring (Haru), Verse 2 is Summer (Natsu), and Verse 3 mentions Autumn (Aki).
4. Hitoribocchi (一人ぼっち)
- Meaning: All alone / Lonely.
- Context: It emphasizes the solitude. “Hitori” means one person, adding “bocchi” makes it sound sadder and lonelier.
Fun Fact: Why is it called “Sukiyaki”?
Did you know the title “Sukiyaki” has nothing to do with the lyrics?
Sukiyaki is a Japanese beef hot pot dish.
When a British record executive heard the song, he thought the original title “Ue o Muite Arukou” was too hard for English speakers to pronounce. So, he just named it after a Japanese food he liked—Sukiyaki. It’s like naming a sad American song “Hamburger” in Japan!
Conclusion
“Sukiyaki” is a timeless classic that teaches you the beauty of Japanese simplicity. The slow rhythm allows you to focus 100% on perfecting your vowel sounds.
If you enjoyed this classic, you might also like the modern classic Lemon by Kenshi Yonezu, although it is much faster!
For more beginner-friendly songs, don’t forget to check our master list: 10 Easy Songs to Help You Learn Japanese.