Synopsis

“SUKIYAKI: Looking Up As I Walk” – Okada Junichi Stars in Epic Music Biopic Coming 2026

Okada Junichi is set to star in “SUKIYAKI: Looking Up As I Walk” (SUKIYAKI Ue wo Muite Arukou), directed by Sese Takahisa. The film tells the remarkable true story behind one of Japan’s most significant international musical achievements.

The movie centers on the creation of “Sukiyaki” (originally titled “Ue wo Muite Arukou”), which made history in 1963 by topping the Billboard charts for three consecutive weeks – a first for a Japanese song.

Set during Japan’s economic boom, the film follows the “689 Trio”: composer Nakamura Hachidai, lyricist Ei Rokusuke, and singer Sakamoto Kyu. Their story of youth, friendship, and ambition culminates in creating a song that would captivate audiences worldwide.

Okada portrays Nakamura Hachidai, a genius jazz pianist and composer known for hits like “Tomorrow is Another Day” and the “Shounen Theme Song.” The actor comments on his challenging role: “I want to carefully portray how this brilliant jazz pianist, shaped by his wartime experiences and passion for jazz, created music that deeply resonated with the Japanese soul.” Okada, whose mother is a piano teacher, is currently undertaking intensive piano training for the role.

Award-winning director Sese Takahisa (known for “Threads” and “From The Camps With Love”) teams up with screenwriter Minato Takehiko. The crucial musical elements will be handled by composer Iwasaki Taisei (“Belle”) and jazz pianist Hayashi Masaki.

Release Date: 2026