The cover of Jero
With the success of his first single “Umi Yuki” (“Ocean Snow”) under his belt, tomorrow Jero will release his new mini-album, “covers,” featuring new versions of well-known enka songs. The songs were selected by both his staff and through surveys of fans.
Jero’s new style is paving the way for a more accessible view of enka in Japan. His image is being associated not with nostalgia and years gone by, but with the freshness of “now.”
Things are moving fast for Jero. In May popular beverage maker Kirin began airing commercials featuring Jero and their Fire brand of coffee. His music is set to be released all throughout Asia, a move which has the potential for his fresh new style to challenge perceptions and jumpstart younger generations’ interest in enka even outside of Japan.
Jero at a press conference today.
Jero’s style of singing is surprisingly traditional; it’s his hip-hop-inspired image that has left some hating, some obsessing, and others just plain bewildered. At a press conference today, Jero said that while his maverick style may put some people off, he couldn’t imagine it any other way. He is who he is, and trying to perform in a suit and tie might make him seem like some sort of parody. And he’s not a parody. He’s completely serious about his love of enka.
When asked about any possible girlfriends, he laughed and said there’s no one special at the moment – for now, he said, “I’m married to enka.”
Natalie Meyer
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