'Jake-san' shares talent on Japan tour
| • | 'Ukulele: Four men, one instrument, four styles, one basic love |
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
 |
|
|
"I just got back from Japan, where I signed with Epic Records," said Shimabukuro, arguably the most popular strummer now.
"In Japan, they call me Jake-san, and there's a large community of people in different parts of Japan who are real enthusiasts — of hula, of Hawaiian music, of 'ukulele. I did a five-week tour, and it was an awesome learning experience."
Jake-san became endeared by Japanese last year when he penned a song in memory of victims of the Ehime Maru ocean tragedy. But even without that emotional link, Shimabukuro has played his way to fame, his frisky artistry too explosive to contain in a group. Since going professional, Shimabukuro has left his seminal Pure Heart trio and his subsequent Col—n foursome.
"The way I look at it, every change is one chapter of my life," he said.
His former music professor, Byron Yasui, invited him to be part of the crew that would launch and maintain an ongoing show titled "The Art of Solo 'Ukulele."
"For me, it was an honor to be asked," Shimabukuro said. "Dr. Yasui was my professor. He was so knowledgeable and quick to share all that he knows. A lot of what I know, he taught me."
For Shimabukuro, uke-playing has also provided solace and comfort.
" 'Ukulele was my escape from everything," he said. "When my parents went through their divorce, it got me through; also when my grandfather died. Being brought up traditional Japanese, when things bothered me, I had a hard time coping, because I would hold it inside. The uke was my outlet. Whatever was inside would come out with the music, and then I'd feel better. The music always made me feel good, or better, and put me on a high."
