With lyrics like “Tonight I’m all alone” and “I keep my head up high“, this is a touching, perfectly fitting song for our times. 

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 Arukou“. 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.

▼ Although the sad lyrics tug at the heartstrings…

▼ There’s a message of hope in there that encourages us all to carry on, even in the toughest times.

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 
Images: YouTube/The Japanese Artist Project
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!