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As countries around the world attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus, nations have been closing their borders, shutting down entire cities, and asking citizens to stay home. While these extreme social distancing measures tend to create an enhanced sense of physical solitude, people are taking heart in the extraordinary community spirit joining everyone together at this time of shared crisis, especially in the online world.
Here to put a smile on our faces today is a group of Japanese artists in New York, who have created an uplifting video with a message of hope and encouragement for everyone doing it tough right now. The video features Japanese actors, filmmakers, dancers, singers and musicians all coming together from the solitude of their homes to sing the Japanese song “Ue o Muite Aruko." Better known as “Sukiyaki” in the Western world, the chart-topping hit was first recorded by Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto in 1961, and went on to become one of the world’s best-selling singles of all time.
The song still resonates with people today, especially in times of crisis, and now is the perfect time for the hit to re-emerge and lift everyone’s spirits as it has for decades. With lyrics like “But tonight I’m all alone” and “Beyond the clouds, there is joy”, this rendition will bring a tear to your eye and make you smile at the same time.
Take a look at the video below:
According to Ryuma Matsuzaka, who produced and directed the clip, the idea to bring Japanese artists in New York together for the video came when he found himself humming the song one day. It immediately lifted his spirits and he believed it could do the same for others.
Interspersed throughout the video are uplifting scenes from the city showing messages of thanks and people applauding healthcare workers.
As Matsuzaka says:
“We are facing an unprecedented situation, but we are not alone.
We are all in this together, and will eventually get through this challenge.
Let’s keep our heads up high.”
And we can’t think of a better note to end on.
Source: YouTube/The Japanese Artist Project via Twitter/@HirokoTabuchi
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© SoraNews24
37 Comments
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Nippori Nick
I liked it.
Mirai Hayashi
Is it just me or is anyone else tired of seeing these? I don't mind them doing it, but it really starts to ride the nerves when every sing news outlet is rebroadcasting it on TV several times a day for several days.
indigo
me too I am tired of this JOKE. Sing far from my sight!
Nippori Nick
Don't watch TV, so I have no idea what they broadcast or don't. No one is forced to watch it , after all.
oldman_13
About as "heartwarming" as Gia Gadot singing "Imagine" with her celebrity friends on social media.
Mirai Hayashi
Don't watch TV,
Easier said than done. I would like to stay informed about this virus institution, hence I watch the new. But, when news is covered with people singing on Youtube, it starts to grate on the nerves.
Pukey2
I'm tired of this. I'm tired of the hand-washing videos (apart from Gloria Gaynor). I'm tired of wealthy celebs lounging about in their mansions complaining about life. I'm tired of Trump's mouth.
philly1
We're all tired. Some of us will be moved by such efforts, some of us won't. Perhaps throwing shade on those who are trying to lighten the load for others might not be appropriate, even if the effort is a fail for some. Now might be a good time to let it go so that those who did find some solace in it can savour it without the disdain of others.
Trying something--by creating, giving, speaking/singing of hope is better than doing nothing and inviting despair.
CaptDingleheimer
Some of you people really need to lighten up a bit.
Mirai Hayashi
I am not trying to take away from what these guys are doing, but it doesn't need to be rebroadcasted over and over again on the news. If people are interested in this stuff, they can go on youtube and watch it until their eyes bleed. But I think one story on the news would have been sufficient.
Johnny Park
They are singing far from you. You just happen to keep seeing them.
Can't blame these guys for wanting to lighten the mood up. Blame the news media promoting it.
DaDude
Personally I read the news which gives me options which article to click and read. If the TV is on, it is one of the affordable streaming services. Lunchtime, see ya later.
OssanAmerica
Really about time the song title got changed. lol
starpunk
Japanese artists in NYC. Where's Yuka Honda and Yoko Ono?
This reminds me somewhat of the Live Aid, Band Aid, Hear 'N' Aid, etc. for African famine relief in 1985. Most of it was alright except 'USA For Africa' - I hated that song, all the artists were at their worst! Yeeeccchhh!
And later that year Little Steven Van Zandt got several artists to make 'Sun City', a protest record against South African apartheid. That lead to sanctions that eventually led to the end of the totalitarian apartheid government and society in South Africa.
Jimizo
The needy people who got relief from that song should have protested.
El Rata
Why do celebrities worldwide think their opinions, life and, in this case virtual performances, are important during this crisis? Like if singing an optimistic song was going to make things better.
BackpackingNepal
Song not suitable for current situation. Let it remain for war history. New meaningful song need to be composed.
tamanegi
A non essential service
commanteer
I have to agree with others - stop watching broadcast news. Between all the fluff, the commercials, and the inaccurate reporting, you can be better informed in a fraction of the time by using other sources on the net. And you can avoid seeing this video.
Jalapeno
What exactly is that song about? Never actually bothered to pay attention to the lyrics. Is it right up there with IMAGINE in terms of a marginal relationship to what is going on right now?
By the way, I love sukiyaki, except for all of that sugar they put in it, and how it kind of stinks up your whole dining room.
browny1
As Captain Dingle said - a dose of lightening up wouldn't go astray.
The people who made the video aren't famous singers, musos, "hollywood actors or "tarentos".
They are just ex-pat folks in NY who decided to make a friendly amateur video to eke out a smile in a city that's ben and is being rolled.
That it's been picked up by all forms of media, and in some cases thrashed, has nought to do with the sentiment in which it was created - I'm assuming.
Just let it wash over - you don't need to scrub yourself with it if you don't want to.
John N Swegan
I remember when this song was released back here in the US back in 1963. Sakamoto Kyu did such a good job on singing it, 5 year old me loved it, even without understanding a word. Sometime later, an English translation was released by other artiists, but Sakamoto's version will always be my favorite.
@Jalapeno you'll find an article about the song on Wikipedia, and the answer to your question at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki_(song)#Composition
I regret most of the Japanese music I'm acquainted with are from Anime, but this song breaks all language barriers, and is a perfect representation of today's world.
RIP Sakamoto Kyu.
Capuchin
At least they're not ruining the song with ego fuelled warbling like the Gal Gadot Imagine sing along.
All in all quite pleasant. Felt much more sincere than Gadot's desperate plea for attention was.
Serrano
I like Kentaro's link better :D
Jtsnose
Kireina!
Dango bong
lame
Parveen
うえをむいて歩こうよ、涙が溢れないように
しあわせは家の中に、しあわせは外でないように
家族との夜
Stay house and safe
philly1
Anyone remember 3/11's Flowers Shall Bloom? That went on forever. Anyone who can't abide, you can control the mute button on the remote. That's what it's for.
Veronica Apon-Tago
"Sukiyaki" is my best favorite Japanese song! Nihon ga daisuki desu. Well done! - to all the artists who put that performance in NY! Ganbatte ne!
OnTheTrail
Gotta say I am with Capt. Dingle on this. I can be as cynical as the next guy, but this came across as nice and done with goodwill. Nicely done.
moonwatcher
I'd rather they make me some sukiyaki. This is worthless.
starpunk
How about Shonen Knife, Acid Mother Temple and Boris get together for a real kick-ass song to lift us up? I've seen (and met) the first 2 listed bands. Shonen Knife is a sweet cheerful upbeat lady punk rock band, and AMT is a wild innovative melodic psychedelic band - they are awesome. cosmic, and CAH-RAAAAAY-ZEEEE! (that's a BIG complement). And Boris is totally experimental to put it mildly. They ROCK.
All three bands are amongst the best of J-rock.
CoconutE3
Very nice! Thank you!!
Hawkeye
Good people trying to help people through these hard times with a few songs. Thank you.