HASHIKEN

FROM- THE JAPAN TIMES

These are difficult times in Japan for the '30 something' musician. Even some of the more established names in the pop world, are struggling to hold on to their fan base. The CD buying public are getting younger, and so proportionately are the best selling groups and singers. This malaise especially afflicts those musicians who consider themselves as 'artists'. Many have spent months, oblivious to the latest trends, in creating something original and taking their music in a new direction; only later to discover the reality. Their music and their name is no longer in vogue in the fickle world of Japanese pop. Particularly hard hit are those who have already tasted success.

At least for Kenichi Hashimoto, otherwise known as 'Hashiken', he hasn't really had that experience. Not that he hasn't been in the spotlight. In 1995, Hashiken and his band was chosen as the 'Champion Band' by Asahi Television's "Ebisu Onsen'' program. A major record and management deal followed, by in January 1996, the debut album. However, despite great songs and an evocative mix of blues, folk and jazz, sales failed to match up to expectations. Hashiken was dropped by his record company. He did manage to build up a loyal following, mostly female, and mostly in their 20s, who as he describes 'don't follow anything in particular, but like artists who have some individuality'. He organized concerts by himself, both solo and with his band, and worked on building sites to supplement his income.

It might have been a tough 2 years and 9 months, but now he's back with another album, this time for the independent label, Respect Records. "Actually, I rather like to be in control of my life and schedule" he says, sitting in his new record company's office in Harajuku, just across the street from the HQ of his former major. "Back then, I suppose I did just want to be successful with my band, but now I'm doing this solo thing, and that's fine. I still want to continue simultaneously with the band, but with the type of songs I write now, it doesn't matter if there's a band there or not."

The new album, called 'Kansha' is equally divided between Hashiken original songs, and covers. "I tried to make the sound very simple, almost like I'm playing and singing in front of the listener. I listen to all types of music, and I use myself like a filter." As he suggests there are a range of influences. The most impressive moments are his own songs, sung passionately to his own accompaniment of folk blues guitar. He also plays ukelele and the Okinawan sanshin. "I recorded the album down in Okinawa. It's a great atmosphere there for recording music. My music's Xinfluenced too by Okinawa, and on this album there's two Okinawan songs, one 'Te-ge' that was sung by Nenes, and the other a traditional one from Yonaguni Island."

Hashiken cites as other influences enka queen Misora Hibari, and Spanish flamenco. A realist, he doesn't set his sights too high, when talking about the future. "I would be happy if I could just make a living out of music, by playing live, recording, and perhaps writing songs for other musicians. I love traveling, but I would like to travel and play music at the same time. Mostly I think I'd like to play in Europe. Making this CD is important, but more than that is the intimacy of a live performance. So if there's one thing I want to say in this interview, it's come and see my concert. "