Kaikoen

Komoro Castle, which was also known as Ana Castle, was built at a lower elevation than the castle town that grew around it. Currently, the castle ruins are a public park called Kaikoen, which means “Nostalgic Park.” Komoro Castle has been listed as one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation. The single “Sukiyaki” (I Look Up as I Walk) topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts ranking No. 1 during the week of June 15, 1963. Sung by Kyu Sakamoto, he became not only the only Japanese person, but also the only Asian person to make such an achievement. Written by Rokusuke Ei, who was evacuated to Komoro before World War II, the lyrics tell the story of a man on the verge of crying, but looks up and whistles a tune in an effort to hold back tears.