This video is an Uchinaaguchi & sanshin version of “Ue o Muite Arukou”, which is one of the most famous Japanese songs of all time.
Here is the original song for reference: https://youtu.be/C35DrtPlUbc “Ue o Muite Arukou” was recorded in 1961, and sung by Sakamoto Kyu. It was a hit not only in Japan, but internationally as well. It was the first non-English, non-European language song to have topped the Billboard Charts in the US. It was released in the US under the unfortunate title of “Sukiyaki”, a word which means a Japanese meat dish, and has nothing to do with the content of the song, but was chosen to make it more “familiar” to an American audience.
One thing that most people don’t know about this song is that lyricist Rokusuke Ei wrote it while walking home and feeling dejected after a failed protest against continued US military presence in Japan. The lyrics were made generic enough so that it could be construed as a song about lost love. The original meaning of the lyrics may well resonate with Okinawans, who to this day continue to protest against the heavy military presence on their islands. For me, I appreciate either interpretation of the song. It’s catchy, has a nice melody, and is very singable. I hope to learn and sing this Uchinaaguchi version someday.
