Becoming a Foreign Enka Singer in Japan: A Testimony of Love and Dreams

🎶Enka is a unique genre of Japanese music that is considered a older genre and is often associated with sad and melodramatic lyrics.

👵The singer's strong connection to enka comes from her grandmother, who introduced her to the music and inspired her to pursue a career as an enka singer.

🌍Moving to Japan to become an enka singer allowed the singer to connect with her Japanese heritage and immerse herself in the culture.

📺The singer gained popularity after appearing on a TV show, where her unique background as an American singing enka fascinated the audience.

🇯🇵The singer's success as an enka singer in Japan is a testament to the power of pursuing one's dreams and the universal appeal of music.

What is enka music?

—Enka is a genre of Japanese music characterized by sad and melodramatic lyrics that often talk about lost loves and heartbreak.

How did the singer become interested in enka?

—The singer's grandmother, who was originally from Yokohama, introduced her to enka music at a young age, sparking her interest and love for the genre.

Why did the singer move to Japan?

—The singer moved to Japan to pursue her dream of becoming an enka singer and to connect with her Japanese heritage and culture.

How did the singer gain popularity in Japan?

—The singer gained popularity after appearing on a TV show, where her unique background as an American singing enka captured the audience's attention.

What does the singer's success as an enka singer represent?

—The singer's success as an enka singer in Japan represents the power of pursuing one's dreams and the universal appeal of music.

00:00The singer expresses her gratitude for being able to fulfill her dream of becoming an enka singer in Japan.

00:36Enka is a form of Japanese music that is considered a older genre and is often associated with sad and melodramatic lyrics.

01:07The singer shares her personal connection to enka through her grandmother, who introduced her to the music.

01:49The singer describes her upbringing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her frequent visits to her grandmother's house, where enka music was always playing.

02:30The singer moved to Japan to pursue her dream of becoming an enka singer and connect with her Japanese heritage and culture.

02:48The singer reflects on the impact of enka on her life and her strong connection to Japan and her grandmother.