Singing the way I sing (Japanese)

Interest in Japan stemmed from his mother and grandmother’s stories Learning Japanese traditions by observing his mother and grandmother Embraces his Japanese heritage Never sang Enka outside the family Coming to Japan Dreamed of becoming an Enka singer His clothes are part of his identity Hopes everyone pursues their dreams regardless of race or heritage Trying to convey the meaning of the songs Nikkei Sansei Considers Pittsburg his home, but always wanted to live in Japan Singing the way I sing (Japanese) "Harebutai" (Japanese) Getting on Kohaku (Japanese) The first concert in the United States (Japanese)

Transcripts available in the following languages:

(Japanese) My style—this so-called hip-hop style—really reflects the day to day me; the style that I feel represents me on a daily basis. I’ve tried to hold on to the Hip Hop image from since when I started performing Enka. When I try to explain why that is, it really comes down to the fact that when I’m on the stage, I want to perform Enka as myself. I sort of decided that I’d be that way, and I’d like to hold on to that.

Date: March 30, 2010
Location: California, US
Interviewer: Yoko Nishimura
Contributed by: Interview by Watase Media Arts Center, Japanese American National Museum. Courtesy of Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

enka fashion hapa identity music