turning japanese

life, love and music in japan

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  It was a tough year for the world and especially Japan, but I believe 2012 will be much better.  As for me, in 2011, I overcame several challenges and grew a lot as an artist, professional, husband and human being.  I am looking forward to continue growing, learning and experiencing in 2012.

Wish you all a safe and happy new year!

Radio Interview on Power Talk Radio

I was interviewed by Ohga and Dj E Smoove on their internet radio show, Power Talk.  The interview is in English and Japanese, which was a first for me!  Had a great time doing it and hope to be on there again soon.  Please check out their other shows, they give you an inside look at what’s going on in the Tokyo scene.  Much love to Ohga and E Smoove for having me on their show!

Power Talk Radio Interview

Pictures from the Tokyo Dex launch party

Here are some pictures from the launch of Tokyo Dex, a new Tokyo-based art cooperative, created by Daniel Rosen–a fixture of the Tokyo art scene for years.  I was very happy to perform at the launch party with so many talented, artistic people.  Please check out Tokyo Dex for future events.  These dope photos where taken by Hiro Ikematsu, Tokyo-based film maker and photographer.

tomorrow night…

one of my old music friends is coming to tokyo on his first japan tour. i am very excited to see him since it’s been several years since we last kicked it. life is interesting how it brings people together, takes them apart and brings them together again….

Dj E Smoove Presents…

Dj E Smoove has been a fixture in the Tokyo club scene for years.  Originally from New York State, he is comfortable spinning pretty much any genre, any era, for any crowd.  His musical knowledge and skills as a Dj are immense.  That’s why it was a great honor for me to be included on one of his recent mix CD’s.  Take a listen to this mix, there’s something there for everyone.  I am near the end during the Jazz section.  Good lookin’ out, E!

Dj E Smoove Presents… Tokyo’s Finest 57 Special Mix

It’s been a long time…

…but I’m back now.  Sorry, been very busy.  Also been figuring a lot of things out, which is usually the case when you haven’t heard from me in a bit.  Anyways, I have a couple of upcoming shows that I want to share with y’all.

  • I will be playing at a big party this weekend in Okinawa.  It’s the 5th Annual World Uchinanchu Festival and we are throwing the official after party.  The word “Uchinanchu” means “Okinawan” and this is a festival for everyone in the world who is Okinawan or loves Okinawa.  People from all over the world will be there, including several of my friends from New York.  Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011

Start: 8:00PM

Location: Player’s Cafe in Okinawa City.  Player’s Cafe is on Park Avenue (B.C. Street).  Google Map here.

Charge: 3000YEN for Food and Drinks

  • I will be playing a free show at SuperDeluxe in Roppongi, Tokyo.  The event is This&That Café, the wildly successful music and art series by D.H. Rosen.  I will be performing with some of Tokyo’s most eclectic musicans, artists and DJs.  Lots of people in Tokyo’s underground art and music scene will be there, so if you are free that night, please come through!  Details:

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Start: 8:00PM

Location: SuperDeluxe in Roppongi, Tokyo

Charge: FREE

I’m really thankful to be playing at events like these.  Music and Art have healing power and Japan really needs healing right now!  If you are in the area, please come through and say whatsup, I know you will have a good time.  Hope to see you guys there!

How do you move the Universe?

Take a step forward.

Kampai!!!

Every year, my wife and I throw a big beer garden party on the roof of our store in Okinawa City.  As always, there were lots of beautiful people, great music and plentiful alcohol.  Had a great time playing music for my friends!  Please check out the pics here:

Pics from the Beer Garden Party

Just got back from Okinawa.

Back in Tokyo from Okinawa.  Wow.  Had a great time performing at our annual Beer Garden Party in Okinawa City.  Will put up pictures soon!

How to pick a fish.

I once heard a story about a famous sushi chef who, when he goes to the fish market, never picks fishes that are perfect.  He believes that if you can’t see nothing wrong with a fish, then something really bad must be wrong with it–something that you can’t see.  The best fish, he says, are the ones with imperfections.