Who Is Kyu Sakamoto? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Kyu Sakamoto was born on December 10, 1941, making him 83 years old as of 2025. He was a renowned Japanese singer and actor, celebrated internationally for his unique voice and emotional delivery. Sakamoto gained worldwide fame with his hit song "Ue o Muite Arukou," known in English as "Sukiyaki," which topped charts across the globe in the early 1960s. His compelling biography includes a rich career in music and film, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire artists today.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1941 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Empire of Japan |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Japan |
| Date of death | 12 August, 1985 |
| Died Place | Mount Takamagahara, Ueno, Gunma, Japan |
Popularity
Kyu Sakamoto's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, Kyu Sakamoto had a balanced physique that contributed to his charisma on stage and screen. While his exact weight varies by reports, it is generally accepted that he maintained a healthy build throughout his career, contributing to his vigorous performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Kyu Sakamoto married his girlfriend, and their relationship was a focal point of his private life. He had a family that supported his musical endeavors, although specific details about his relationships and dating history are not extensively documented. Kyu was known to be a devoted family man, valued for his commitment both on and off the stage.
The youngest of his father's nine children, he was nicknamed Kyū-chan (九ちゃん), meaning "Li'l Nine", with Kyū also being an alternative reading of the kanji of his given name, Hisashi (九).
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, it is estimated that Kyu Sakamoto’s net worth during his lifetime was significant, owing to his success in the music industry and acting. While exact figures have varied, insights suggest his net worth was upwards of several million dollars by the time of his untimely death in 1985. His earnings primarily stemmed from record sales, performances, and royalties from his music, and his legacy continues to yield income through licensing and re-releases.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kyu Sakamoto's career began in the 1950s and skyrocketed with the release of his international hit "Sukiyaki." Beyond singing, he appeared in several films and television shows in Japan, showcasing his talent as a multifaceted entertainer. After his passing in 1985, the Kyu Sakamoto Foundation was established to promote music and cultural activities, reflecting his enduring influence. His contributions to both music and television laid the groundwork for future generations of artists in Asia and beyond.
In May 1958, when Sakamoto was 16 years old, he joined the Japanese pop-band The Drifters that had been formed three years earlier. Sakamoto was unhappy about his position in the band as second vocalist, and this often led to fights with the other members.
His big breakthrough as a band member came 26 August 1958, when he sang at the annual music festival Western Carnival at the Nichigeki Hall. After a quarrel that ended in a fight with two of the other members, Sakamoto left the band in November 1958.
Social Network
Though Kyu Sakamoto passed away in 1985, his music continues to resonate on social media platforms and streaming services today. Fans celebrate his legacy through various fan pages and tribute accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These social networks serve to connect his admirers globally, ensuring his contributions to music and culture remain cherished and celebrated.
On 16 March 1999, Japan Post issued a stamp commemorating Sakamoto and "Ue o Muite Arukō". On 15 October 2020, Google celebrated his song "Ue o Muite Aruko" and Sakamoto with a Google Doodle.
Education
Kyu Sakamoto's formal education was relatively standard for his time in Japan. While he pursued his interests in music from a young age, he received foundational education that supported his artistic endeavors. His talent was nurtured through self-expression and performance rather than formal training, setting a remarkable precedent for aspiring artists to follow their passions irrespective of educational pathways.
Initially, Pye Records released an instrumental version of the song recorded by Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen. After that became a hit in England, His Master's Voice released the original, which also sold well, reaching sixth place in the label's most sold records.
In 1963, Capitol Records released the song in the US with the alternate title, eventually selling over one million copies, and remaining number one on the Billboard Hot 100 number one single for three weeks in June 1963.
