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Japanese singer and actor who achieved unprecedented international fame with his 1961 hit 'Ue o Muite Arukō', known globally as 'Sukiyaki'.Born in Kawasaki, Japan, Sakamoto began his career in the late 1950s as a member of the popular vocal group The Drifters. He launched a highly successful solo career in 1961. His signature song, 'Ue o Muite Arukō' (1961), became a global phenomenon in 1963, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States – making Sakamoto the first Asian artist to achieve this feat. He remained a major star in Japan throughout the 1960s and 1970s, also appearing in films and television. His life was tragically cut short at age 43 in the JAL Flight 123 crash, one of the deadliest single-aircraft accidents in history.

• The international title 'Sukiyaki' was chosen arbitrarily by record executives; the word has no connection to the song's lyrics, which are about walking while looking up to hold back tears. It was simply deemed easy for English speakers to remember.
• Despite his massive global hit, Sakamoto remained primarily focused on his career within Japan and was known more as a versatile entertainer (singer, actor, TV personality) there than solely as the 'Sukiyaki' singer internationally.
• Sakamoto died in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123 on August 12, 1985. The crash, caused by structural failure due to improper repair, killed 520 people. Sakamoto was one of the most famous victims. Only four people survived the crash. He was on his way back to Tokyo from a family gathering.