When I was in Form 1 in 1998, there was a program, a cooperation between Japan and Malaysian government where we exchange our students between these countries. So during this year, we welcomed Japanese students and teachers to our school. I still remember we all gathered at our assembly ground, we all were feeling excited about this event.
There was no email, WhatsApp or even smartphones with cameras and Internet at that time. But it was joyous. There were some performances and speeches from the teachers and students. But, they did not stay too long. Shortly before noon, we bid them goodbye.
Before they left, we went out from our classes, my friends and I rushed towards their way to shake their hands. I was (and still) obsessed with Japan, so this was a happy, memorable moments for me. Then, our teachers played this classic Japanese song, Ue wo Muite Narukou by Kyu Sakamoto. On that day, this song stuck in my head and after I discovered Internet after many years, I went searching for it. Heck, I did not even know the title.
I did not remember how I found this song. Many thought the title of the song is Sukiyaki which is wrong. But I think that title helped me find the right one. This song has its own history, very interesting and sad. The one thing I love the most about this song is its upbeat melody despite its sad lyrics. The irony is beautiful.
I am writing this because I want to keep this memory alive and this movie reminded me of that. Now I miss Japan.
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