Celebrating Kyu Sakamoto谷歌标志涂鸦标志

Celebrating Kyu Sakamoto谷歌标志涂鸦
15 October 2020

Today’s Doodle celebrates Japanese singer and actor Kyu Sakamoto, on the 59th anniversary of the release of the record including his iconic song “Ue o Muite Aruko” (“Let’s Look Up As We Walk”, 1961). Following its release in English markets under the title “Sukiyaki,” the emotional song became the first Japanese track to sell a million copies as well as the first by an Asian recording artist to top the American Billboard Chart.

Kyu Sakamoto was born Hisashi Oshima on December 10th, 1941 in Kawasaki, Japan. His father’s ninth child, he was nicknamed “Kyu,” an alternate reading of his first name (九), which translates to the number nine. Sakamoto began his career at age 16 as a back-up vocalist before he decided to take his chances as a solo artist. The move quickly paid off when he was signed to a record label the following year.

Sakamoto saw success in Japan, touting multiple pop hits and appearances in movies and TV shows. After a jazz cover of “Ue o Muite Aruko” became a hit in the U.K., Sakamoto’s original was released in the U.S. under the name “Sukiyaki,” catapulting him to international stardom. A testament to its out-of-this-world success, an instrumental version of “Sukiyaki” became one of the first songs sent over the radio to astronauts in space in 1965!

Intent to use his fame for good, Sakamoto helped raise funds for children with disabilities throughout his career, including holding a concert to benefit the 1964 Tokyo Paralympics.

Here’s to you, Kyu!