What is the best Kyū Sakamoto album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Sukiyaki and Other Japanese Hits" (1963). It's the most representative of what makes Kyū Sakamoto worth hearing.

How many albums does Kyū Sakamoto have?

Kyū Sakamoto has 35 releases in their discography, including 28 albums and 3 EPs.

Photo: Kyu9 · Public domain

Kyū Sakamoto

Q: Who is Kyū Sakamoto for?

If you're into kayōkyoku, Kyū Sakamoto is worth your time. Sakamoto's music unfolds through soothing melodies layered over gentle rhythmic patterns, crafting a reflective atmosphere that lingers in the air.

Sakamoto's music unfolds through soothing melodies layered over gentle rhythmic patterns, crafting a reflective atmosphere that lingers in the air.

kayōkyoku

Empire of Japan

Read about Kyū Sakamoto on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Sukiyaki and Other Japanese Hits album by Kyū Sakamoto

Sukiyaki and Other Japanese Hits (1963)

Represents Sakamoto's signature style with soothing melodies and gentle rhythms, providing a cohesive introduction to his music.

The song

“Ue o muite arukō”

An iconic track that distills Sakamoto's reflective sound and features an engaging melody, serving as a strong introduction to his artistry.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Sukiyaki" — from Sukiyaki and Other Japanese Hits (1963)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Kyū Sakamoto

Kyū Sakamoto holds a pivotal place in music history, embodying the sweet spot where traditional Japanese melodies and modern pop sensibilities converge.

His work expanded the global perspective on Japanese music during a time when cultural exchange was taking root, making him a symbol of Japan’s post-war identity and soft power.

His work expanded the global perspective on Japanese music during a time when cultural exchange was taking root, making him a symbol of Japan’s post-war identity and soft power. As listeners were introduced to his sound, they began to embrace not just the music but also the rich narratives embedded in its cultural context. Sakamoto's approach is marked by an earnestness that shines through his carefully crafted melodies and arrangements. He utilized the traditional structures of kayōkyoku while infusing them with contemporary elements, creating songs that felt both familiar and innovative. This blend allowed his music to reach beyond borders and resonate emotionally with a wide audience, marking a transformative moment in how Japanese pop could be perceived on the world stage. Common themes in Sakamoto's songwriting often revolve around longing, nostalgia, and love, conveyed through a gentle, heartfelt tone. His storytelling typically embraces a straightforward clarity, inviting listeners into relatable emotional landscapes without veering into overt irony or abstraction. This sincerity creates an intimate space where listeners can connect deeply with the sentiments expressed.

28 studio albums· 35 total releases· 5 decades· Empire of Japan

Full discography

Kyū Sakamoto's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

35 releases • 28 albums • 3 EPS • 1961–2019

Type:

Studio albums (22)

EPs (3)

Compilations (5)

Singles (3)

Natsukashiki Love Song album by Kyū Sakamoto

Other releases (2)

CD&DVD THE BEST 〜上を向いて歩こう

2005

Kyu Sakamoto CD & DVD The Best

2005

No releases match the current filters.

Continue your journey

If you liked Kyū Sakamoto, start with Kenshi Yonezu

A guided entry point we think you'll like.

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Reference

Official site Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata

Kyū Sakamoto

Start here

Songs to start with

About Kyū Sakamoto

Full discography

Studio albums (22)

Sukiyaki

坂本九 アニバーサリー・アルバム 689コンプリート

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Best

坂本九シングル全集

坂本九・シングルス 〜KYU SAKAMOTO Singles

坂本九メモリアルボックス

九・メモリアル

689

坂本九全曲集

坂本九 プレスリーを唄う

坂本九ひっと・ぱれーど

ジャパニーズ・グラフティ20 スター・ヒット・キット

九ちゃんの唄 第2集 ゴールデンレコード受賞記念盤

九ちゃんの歌

九ちゃんとパラキン 第３集

ボクの星 坂本九ヒットソング

九ちゃんとパラキン

Presenting Kyu Sakamoto's Sukiyaki

ターニング・ポイント TURNING POINT

九ちゃんと歌おう

坂本九オン・ステージ

坂本九リサイタル

EPs (3)

上を向いて歩こう

九ちゃん明治を歌う

夜明けの唄

Compilations (5)

ベスト坂本九99

ベスト30

坂本九ゴールデン☆ベスト

BIG ARTIST BEST COLLECTION

Sukiyaki and Other Japanese Hits

Singles (3)

Natsukashiki Love Song

Letkis / Minna De Waraimasyo

Ue o muite arukō / Anoko no namaewa nantenkana

Other releases (2)

CD&DVD THE BEST 〜 上を向いて歩こう

Kyu Sakamoto CD & DVD The Best

坂本九アニバーサリー・アルバム 689コンプリート

坂本九・シングルス〜KYU SAKAMOTO Singles

坂本九プレスリーを唄う

九ちゃんの唄第2集ゴールデンレコード受賞記念盤

九ちゃんとパラキン第３集

ボクの星坂本九ヒットソング

CD&DVD THE BEST 〜上を向いて歩こう