“This was a hit in Japan in 1961 and in the US in 1963.
Ue o Muite Aruk (I look up as I walk; aka Sukiyaki)—Sakamoto Kyu”
==
A classic - remember it from when I was a lad. Sakamoto Kyu died in the crash of JAL1233, the deadliest airplane crash in history. Such a beautiful song, even if you have no idea what the words mean.
Now I wish I had not posted. You gave more accurate info.
As a kid in Hawaii we used the tune for the music in catechism and had guitar accompaniment.
Later a soul group, Taste of Honey ( I think) used other lyrics as well and won a Grammy. I also think they had another song that was better for them to be known by.