We asked the world-traveling ukulele player
Jake Shimabukuro talks about the true charm of his beloved home, Hawaii

The connection between songwriting and Hawaii. "Music" and "memories" are strongly linked.

JAL: You mentioned songwriting earlier, but do most of your original songs get created in Hawaii?

Jake: Yes... I used to write a lot of songs at home in Hawaii. There was also a cafe in Kaimuki called "Coffee Talk" where I often wrote songs. This is a cafe where my brother and I used to play live when we were younger. The owner, Liz, has always been very helpful to me, and it's a favorite place that I still drop by from time to time.

However, recently, I often compose songs outside of Hawaii, such as on the mainland of the United States. I feel like I've been composing songs in places other than Hawaii while thinking of Hawaii more often. Also, there are a lot of talented musicians in Nashville, so I sometimes get inspired by them to create new songs. It feels like the range of sound creation is naturally expanding.
I don't have the feeling that "I'm here now, so I have to write a song with this kind of taste," but I always vividly remember the place, background, and feeling when each song was born. Every time I play, I suddenly remember scenes from the past. I strongly feel that "music" and "memories" are very strongly connected.

There are some songs that I wrote during my tour in Japan. Songs like "Go For Broke" and "Ichigo Ichie" are original numbers that I wrote in Japan. Of course, those songs also have special meanings.

My other roots are in Japan. What are the charms of each place you visit?

JAL: You come to Japan every year on tour, right?

Jake: Yes. I really love Japan. For me, Japan is where part of my roots lie. Every time I come to Japan, I'm grateful for the warm welcome I receive from so many people. Japanese culture and atmosphere have a lot in common with Hawaii, so I feel very comfortable here. At the same time, Japan also has its own unique culture, which I feel is profound. The food from all over Japan is also delicious. That's why I'm happy when Japanese people say, "I love Hawaii." I hope that as many Japanese people as possible can experience the additional charm of Hawaii that I feel.

By taking a step deeper into learning about the culture and history, you will be able to make a deeper and stronger connection with Hawaii.

JAL: I see... So, what do you want Japanese people to feel during their stay in Hawaii?

Jake: Recently, my way of thinking about "travel" has changed. For example, in the past, even when I went on tour, I was always busy with my schedule and just went back and forth between the hotel and the venue. To be honest, I hardly knew where I was or what history and culture the area had. But recently, I've started to want to feel and learn a little about the place I'm in at that moment. When I came home from a tour, I started sharing with my family, "I've been to these places. I noticed these things," and I realized that this is important.

So I hope that people who come to Hawaii will learn about Hawaii and feel it before they leave. You can explore Hawaii's history, or even just take a hula or ukulele lesson. I also recommend dropping in to listen to live Hawaiian music. You can experience a part of Hawaiian culture and interact with the locals. If you can experience the essence and spirit of Hawaii there, I think you will be able to connect more strongly with Hawaii.

JAL: You have a strong connection to Hawaii... That's wonderful. Being connected to a place you love must also mean connecting people with each other.

Jake: My first teacher was my mother, and I played the ukulele for the first time when I was four years old. I was so happy that I played the ukulele all day long. This is how important things are passed on from person to person. Whether you're visiting Hawaii for the first time or have been there many times, I think it would be great if you could feel that you have an encounter that will be a turning point in your life during your time in Hawaii.
In addition to the culture and music, I would also encourage people to try the traditional food.

JAL: What kind of traditional Hawaiian foods are there?

Jake: There are a lot of them. Poi, a paste made from steamed taro, poke, which is made by tossing ahi (tuna) in sesame oil, laulau, which is meat or fish wrapped in taro and ti leaves and steamed, haupia, a coconut-flavored cake... You might find something in the food culture that the Hawaiians have nurtured for a long time. Just like I myself am inspired by the wonderful food cultures all over Japan.

JAL: Listening to Jake's story, I can really feel his passion for Hawaii, and it makes me want to go there even more.
Jake: I'll say it again, but I think Hawaii is a really special place. The warm culture that is unique to Hawaii, the climate where people respect each other in nature, this beautiful environment, and the fact that I hardly feel any racism. I'm very happy that I grew up here, and I'm also very grateful to be able to raise my children here. On an island full of aloha spirit, my children will grow up learning important things from nature. I believe that these things will make this beautiful Hawaii even more attractive.

In order to fully experience the charms of Hawaii, I hope you don't pack your schedule too tightly during your stay in Hawaii and enjoy the luxury of taking it easy. I feel like there are things that you miss when you're pressed for time.

JAL: Thank you very much. Lastly, is there anything you would like people to bring back to Japan from Hawaii?

Jake: Please bring back lots of wonderful memories. Burn the beautiful scenery into your memory, take lots of photos... If you find a favorite item that reminds you of your time in Hawaii, please bring that back too. Oh, and of course I also recommend bringing back a ukulele as a souvenir (laughs).

Jake Shimabukuro
Born November 3, 1976 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He started playing the ukulele at the age of four, debuted as a member of the three-piece band "Pure Heart" in 1998, and made his solo debut in 2002. He has received numerous awards, including the Na Hoku Hanohano Award, known as Hawaii's equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
His style, which takes advantage of the characteristics of the ukulele and incorporates a wide range of music styles including rock, jazz, classical, blues, and Hawaiian, continues to have a major impact on the music scene not only in Hawaii but around the world.

・Jake Shimabukuro Official Website
www.jakeshimabukuro.com (English)
www.jakeshimabukuro.jp (Japanese)

・Jake Shimabukuro Official Japanese SNS
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Filming cooperation
Hilton Grand Vacations