Kazuo Arao
Singer
Born in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Kazuo Arao moved to Osaka when he was in first grade. As he spent most of his younger years listening to the Jazz and Hawaiian music played on the Far East Network by the U.S. Military during World War II, Mr. Arao started playing the ukulele in eighth grade. When he was in 11 grade, he started playing with the Hawaiian band with college-age players during the summer in a U.S. troop camp. He dreamed of becoming a singer someday; however, his dreams were put on hold due to his father’s untimely accidental death. Instead of pursuing his dream and going to college, he began working to earn a living for himself.
Mr. Arao spent 45 years in the business world before he decided to follow his singing dream. In 1992 at the age of 60, he retired from his business and made a debut as a professional singer in the Paris Festival held at Umeda Koma Theater. From that moment forward, Mr. Arao received favorable receptions in his recitals, held at major sites including Osaka Nakanoshima Recital Hall, Koma Theater, Festival Hall, and Osaka Blue Note. In November 2007, his 15th anniversary, he accomplished his long-cherished dream to play at Carnegie Hall in New York. He tells others: “If we envision something, you can certainly achieve it some day. “
Today, at 75, Mr. Arao makes an efforts to teach younger people by heading up jazz and ukulele schools, all while keeping the heat on his own performance. TAHITIAN NONI® Juice has been a factor in Mr. Arao’s longevity. “I felt fatigued after performances, so my voice trainer, Kuniko Isono, recommended TAHITIAN NONI Juice from her own experience. I felt that the juice is a wonderful benefit to my health. I also drink HIRO Energy as well. At my age, I don’t think I can actively engage in my live performances and teach at schools without these essential items. They are the key to my well-being. I will continue to drink them and recommend them to others with full confidence.”
Accomplishments1992 Made his debut at Paris Festival at Theater Hiten (now Umeda Koma Theater)
1993 Performed in Paris Festival at Theater Hiten
Held the first “Kazuo Arao’s World Song Journey Recital” at Recital Hall
1995 Performed in “Charity concert for earthquake disaster” at Sankei Hall
1996–1999 Held an annual “Kazuo Arao’s afternoon chanson” at Kobe City Museum Hall
1997 Performed in “Hawaiian Dinner Show” at Westin Hotel
Music Rainbow Club was founded
Performed in “Hawaiian Show” at Phoenix Hall
1997 – 2000 Performed in “Chanson de Hiten” every year at Umeda Art Theater
1998 – 2006 Held an annual “Kazuo Arao Jazz & Pop Live” at Osaka Blue Note
1997 – 2007 Performed in “Sankei Paris Festival” every year
2001 Held the second “Kazuo Arao’s World Song Journey Recital” at Recital Hall
2002 Joined in Sankei Hall 50th anniversary event with “Kazuo Arao’s Recital
2007 Held “Kazuo Arao 75･15 Anniversary Recital” at Carnegie Hall, New York
Held “Kazuo Arao 75･15 Anniversary Dinner Show” at Birdland Jazz Club, New York
Held “Kazuo Arao Jazz & Pop Live” (Old Osaka Blue Note); at Billboard Live Osaka—Return home memorial
Provides coaching on pop & jazz, chanson, and ukulele at 17 schools.
Future ScheduleJuly 11, 2008 Perform in “Sankei Paris Festival” presented by The Sankei Shinbun (Sankei newspaper) at Osaka Symphony Hall
December 14, 2008 Hold Music Rainbow21「Kazuo Arao Jazz & Pop Live」76.16 Anniversary at Billboard Live Osaka
