Kyu Sakamoto was a beloved Japanese singer and actor, best known for his international hit song "Sukiyaki" in the 1960s. His music, a blend of traditional Japanese melodies and Western pop, was characterized by his smooth, emotive vocals. Sakamoto's success marked a turning point in the global reach of Japanese music, as "Sukiyaki" became the first Japanese song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Despite his untimely death in a plane crash, Sakamoto's unique fusion of East and West continues to influence contemporary Japanese pop music.