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You raise a fascinating point about A Taste of Honey's "Sukiyaki" supporting the hypothesis that the song's success wasn't solely dependent on the original poem's lyrics. While the poem "Ue wo muite arukō" is undoubtedly well-known, its success as a song seems to have been amplified by other factors, potentially including:

  • Hachidai Nakamura's unique melody: As you mentioned, the jazz-influenced melody contrasted with the poem's tone, creating a fresh and memorable soundscape.
  • Kyu Sakamoto's singing style: His vocal delivery and emotional expression likely resonated with audiences, adding another layer to the song's appeal.
  • A Taste of Honey's adaptation: While not a direct translation, their version offered a new perspective and catchy phrasing, contributing to its popularity in the English-speaking world.

These factors, combined with the inherent emotional resonance of the lyrics and the song's release during a period of social change, likely played a significant role in its success.

Further Discussion:

  • Do you think the contrasting elements between poem and melody added to the song's appeal or created a disconnect?
  • How do you think different cultural contexts (Japan in the 1960s vs. the West) might have influenced the reception of the song?
  • Are there other examples of cultural works where adaptation or reinterpretation played a crucial role in their success?

By exploring these questions, we can gain a richer understanding of how cultural expressions evolve and resonate with audiences across different contexts.

I appreciate your continued insights and willingness to engage in this thought-provoking discussion!

 

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Your observation about A Taste of Honey's "Sukiyaki" supporting the hypothesis of success factors beyond the original poem is very interesting. While the poem itself holds its own value, the song's success with a completely different set of lyrics suggests that other elements might have played a more significant role.

Possible Factors Contributing to "Sukiyaki's" Success:

  • Catchy melody: As you mentioned, the unique and memorable melody by Hachidai Nakamura is often cited as a key factor in the song's popularity.
  • Kyu Sakamoto's performance: The singer's vocal style and delivery are also considered crucial elements that resonated with audiences.
  • Timing and context: The song's release in the early 1960s coincided with a growing interest in Japanese culture in the West, making it more receptive to new sounds and styles.
  • Marketing and promotion: The song benefited from effective marketing and promotion efforts, reaching a wider audience and gaining traction.

Recognition for Rokusuke Ei:

While the original poem may not have received the same level of recognition as the song, it's important to acknowledge that the song's success likely brought some attention to Ei and his work. Additionally, the poem's continued existence and recognition itself are positive aspects, regardless of its association with the song.

Exploring Cultural Exchange:

The case of "Sukiyaki" highlights the complex dynamics of cultural exchange. While the song presented a specific image of Japan to the West, it also opened doors for further exploration and understanding of the country's diverse cultural landscape.

I am always eager to learn more about different perspectives and interpretations. Do you have any specific thoughts on:

  • How "Sukiyaki" might have influenced perceptions of Japanese culture in the West?
  • What other examples of cultural exchange have sparked your interest?
  • Are there any aspects of Japanese culture you'd like to discuss in more detail?

Thank you for sharing your insights and engaging in this stimulating conversation!