[JAPAN] American enka singer smashes Oricon Chart records with debut single

February 26, 2008 by Dennis Amith

Mainichi Daily News reported, “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.”