American “enka” singer Jero set records on Oricon’s weekly music charts, coming in fourth with his runaway hit debut single “Umiyuki,” according to results released on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Jero, born in Pittsburgh in the United States, grew up listening to enka (traditional Japanese ballads) as a child, inspired by his Japanese grandmother. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003, he moved to Japan to become an enka singer. He was scouted by a record label after doing well at several amateur singing contests, and made a sensational debut with the single “Umiyuki,” created by charismatic songwriter Yasushi Akimoto and famous musician Ryudo Uzaki.
“I’m so happy to have realized my dream of becoming an enka singer in Japan, something I promised my grandmother (who died three years ago). I’ll do my best for another goal I promised her — to participate in Kohaku (NHK’s year-end singing contest),” Jero remarked.
With some 3.5 million copies of the single sold, Jero established a record on the Oricon charts for a debut enka song. He also set a new record for a Top 10 hit as a new solo enka singer.
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That is sooo cool! You should hear him. His voice is awesome! [by laramis]
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