The movie was adapted by Paul Osborn from the novel by James Michener. It was directed by Joshua Logan.
It won Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Red Buttons), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Miyoshi Umeki), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Sound. It was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Marlon Brando), Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
Sayonara is Japanese for 'goodbye'. The hiragana spelling is sayounara.