Enka singer Jero to go on indefinite hiatus to pursue career as a computer engineer

Jero (Jerome Charles White Jr.) became the first Black enka singer in the Japanese music industry back in 2008.

Half African-American and half Japanese, his grandmother from Yokohama introduced Jero to enka as a child.

While majoring at the University of Pittsburgh in Information Technology at the time, he moved to Japan to pursue employment as an English teacher at NOVA and worked as a computer engineer.

But he made a promise to his grandmother that one day he would perform at NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen and so, Jero would participate in singing contests while working as a computer engineer in Japan.

While his grandmother passed away in 2005, Jero would release his first single “Umiyuki” in February 2008, win “Best New Artist” in the 50th Japan Record Awards and appeared in the 59th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, fulfilling his promise to his grandmother.

And unlike traditional Japanese enka singers who wear a kimono, because he felt that would be inappropriate for him, he stuck to his hip hop attire and earned him worldwide attention.

On October 12th, Jero made a blog post that he would go on temporary hiatus and since graduating from Boston University, would pursue his career in computer engineering.

Jero posted the following:

Thank you for always supporting me.

Well, I have important news this time.

With this letter I will report that my activities as a singer will be suspended.

I know this is sudden and some of you will be surprised.

I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my debut on February 20th and I was able to perform a concert for reaching that milestone.

It is all thanks to everyone’s support and I can not thank you enough.

I remembered the face of each and every one of you and it was a conclusion that I have agonized over.

Of course, my passion for singing songs did not cool down.

Actually, I had the opportunity to study computer engineering again two years ago.

I graduated from the Boston University’s graduate school this past spring.

And I did not miss this opportunity, I decided to go to work in computer engineering again.

At the beginning, I had this idea if I can continue singing at the same time? 

Even for all of you, it would be disrespectful to the seniors and singers who I respect as well if I felt incomplete.

My passion for enka has not faded at all and I believe that I will never change.

I can not say when I will return, but I wish to pursue my dream as a singer again .

Until then, please spread the news about enka on the Internet .

I always pray for your health and happiness.

Apologies from my heart and thanks.

Jero