This minor planet was named in memory of Japanese popular singer Kyu Sakamoto ( 1941 – 1985 ) , who died in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123 , the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history . Adored as " Kyu-chan " , he is best known for his hit , '' I Look Up As I Walk '' ( " Sukiyaki " ) , which became a worldwide bestseller . The naming also refers to his collaborators Rokusuke Ei and Hachidai Nakamura , songwriter and pianist , respectively . The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on 5 October 1998 ( )
Japan Airlines Flight 123
Japan Airlines Flight 123
6980 Kyusakamoto