American sings the soul of Japan ~ Jero
American sings the soul of Japan ~ Jero
American 'B-boy' sings the soul of Japan
JeroEnka, traditional Japanese ballads, are songs that inspire the soul of not only the Japanese but a B-boy. Jero, apparently the first black enka singer in Japan, performed his smash hit debut single "Umiyuki" at a HMV store in Tokyo's Shibuya-ku on Wednesday.
Born in Pittsburgh in the United States, the 26-year-old singer was brought up listening to enka from a young age inspired by his Japanese grandmother. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003, he moved to Japan to become an enka singer.
Only two months later, Jero did well in NHK's amateur singing contest, showed successful results at local karaoke contests around the nation, and was scouted by a record label. Fluent in everyday Japanese, which he had learned in high school and college, Jero developed his vocal skills for enka during a two-year voice training period.
Jero, who appeared in a red hip-hop outfit at Wednesday's event, also displayed a "dance version" performance of his hit enka song. "I don't think I would look great in a kimono. I hope more young people will like enka after listening to my song," he said.
He also showed his gratitude to his grandmother, who died three years ago. "I will never forget my grandmother who always supported me. I think she is watching over me somewhere now."
The record company has shipped about 83,000 copies of the single, which is an extraordinary number for a new enka singer.
Umiyuki Promotional video:
JeroEnka, traditional Japanese ballads, are songs that inspire the soul of not only the Japanese but a B-boy. Jero, apparently the first black enka singer in Japan, performed his smash hit debut single "Umiyuki" at a HMV store in Tokyo's Shibuya-ku on Wednesday.
Born in Pittsburgh in the United States, the 26-year-old singer was brought up listening to enka from a young age inspired by his Japanese grandmother. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003, he moved to Japan to become an enka singer.
Only two months later, Jero did well in NHK's amateur singing contest, showed successful results at local karaoke contests around the nation, and was scouted by a record label. Fluent in everyday Japanese, which he had learned in high school and college, Jero developed his vocal skills for enka during a two-year voice training period.
Jero, who appeared in a red hip-hop outfit at Wednesday's event, also displayed a "dance version" performance of his hit enka song. "I don't think I would look great in a kimono. I hope more young people will like enka after listening to my song," he said.
He also showed his gratitude to his grandmother, who died three years ago. "I will never forget my grandmother who always supported me. I think she is watching over me somewhere now."
The record company has shipped about 83,000 copies of the single, which is an extraordinary number for a new enka singer.
Umiyuki Promotional video:
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Well I heard his album actually reached top 5 on the Oricon Japanese music chart...so he must be attracting some significant attention, I would think.ruisu wrote:Ohh, I saw a video of this guy. I don't know anything about enka so I couldn't tell if he was good or not, but the audience was having a blast.
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You're welcome!lilswtangel wrote:^thanks~
I was also able to find the "Umiyki" PV at youtube and I have to say that I'm more than impressed! I was linked to another video where he sings live and also speaks in Japanese. I could understand the parts where he tells everyone that his grandmother was Japanese.
Given the fickle nature of the Japanese entertainment industry, I'm sure his fame will probably be short-lived but he definitely earned it, in my book....he's being talked about and he's really shaken things up in a way no one else has in the world of enka! He deserves mad respect.
I have to admit that at first I was a little put off by the hip hop look that I thought was another expression of the run of the mill stereotype of blacks I have come to get used to from japanese media. But, marketing approach or not, I have to hand it to Jero because he pulls it off beautifully. It is true, he is actually a huge factor of positive change of the japanese mentality towards non-white foreigners.
So, Jero-san, otsukaresama deshita !!!!
So, Jero-san, otsukaresama deshita !!!!
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I love JERO, he's a cutie and so adorable and humble in the press. If nothing else, I'm appreciating the positivity he's giving for black males in Japanese pop culture (think of the other examples of black males in Japanese press and you'll realize how much that's needed...)
However, I do wonder if he's even into the hip-hop thing? I'm wondering if that's just a gimmick or if that was part of his original image. Still, he has a great voice (though I actually enjoy the enka vibrato, which JERO lacks...) and his music is accessible. All and all I think he's a great guy and wish him the best in his career... hopefully he'll put out more music soon!
However, I do wonder if he's even into the hip-hop thing? I'm wondering if that's just a gimmick or if that was part of his original image. Still, he has a great voice (though I actually enjoy the enka vibrato, which JERO lacks...) and his music is accessible. All and all I think he's a great guy and wish him the best in his career... hopefully he'll put out more music soon!
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