Jero begins first Japan tour

Jero (ジェロ), the first and only African-American enka singer in Japanese history this week kicked off his first Japan tour by performing at the Tako Community Plaza Hall in Chiba near Tokyo.

Jero (27), who speaks fluently English and Japanese and is always loyal to his hip-hop appearance, became known in Japan about a year and a half ago after releasing his first single Umiyuki (“Ocean snow”), a song that refers to the Sea of Japan. His songs are a mix of modern hip-hop and traditional Japanese enka music. Because of his own style he was able to spark interest in enka among younger generations.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he started singing enka already at the age of six and continued to study Japanese throughout high school and university. His began to love enka because of the influence of his Japanese grandmother. Even though he had no intent to become a singer – he actually planned to become an English teacher and computer engineer – he promised her that one day he will sing at the annual Japanese Kohaku Uta Gassen music show. After graduating university, he moved to Japan permanently where he took part in various competitions and achieved his first real success only two months after arrival. In 2008 he was selected to appear on the 59th Kohaku Uta Gassen musical spectacle for New Year on December 31st. In his participation, he fulfilled the promise to his grandmother who had already passed away three years before he became famous and was never able to see his success. On stage, Jero wore a black and white shirt bearing the image of his grandmother.

In March this year, Jero made his first U.S. appearance during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jero – Umiyuki

One of Jero’s first appearances on Japanese TV.