MUSIC
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We would enjoy the opportunity to talk with you. Please contact us at
Tel.: 03-3728-3130
Fax: 03-3728-3424
E-mail: info@akuamusic.com
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Greg Irwin
Coming from a musical family, Wisconsin-born singer and songwriter Greg Irwin always had a good chance that he would succeed in song. After being bullied in Elementary school, Greg discovered his talent performing on the stage. "When I sang, I could do something that no one else could do. I gained acceptance on the stage. That's when I decided to become a singer," he says. Greg first came to Japan at the age of 26, and has lived in the country for 17 years
Greg's first singing job in Japan was at Tokyo Disneyland when it first opened. "Being a singer is a God-given gift, he says. "Although there are many fantastic singers out there, I am thankful for the opportunity to sing."
Greg's specialty is singing "Doyo," a style of Japanese song literally meaning "children's songs." Doyo are very sentimental for many Japanese as they bring back memories of childhood, such as family, childhood friends, love and nature. "I first translated 10 songs and was so impressed by their world-class melodies and lyrics. When I translated these lyrics, I realized how deeply all human beings are related," Greg explains.
Later he was asked to translate more songs. "I was told, You have just found your reason for coming to Japan. This is your lifework.
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" Greg has now translated over 100 of these songs and has become an unlikely here of the Japanese Doyo movement. He has performed at New York's Lincoln Center and performs in concerts and on TV and radio in Japan, singing the songs in both English and Japanese. He was the recipient of the first ever Doyo Culture Prize in Japan.
Besides singing Doyo, Greg is a popular voice actor and MC in Japan. This year the Cosmo Peace Project of Japan has asked Greg to MC their events around the world. He will be Master of Ceremonies for their extravagant productions in India, Mongolia, Egypt and Greece. As a voice actor, he has been the voice of Nissan, Coca-cola, Toyota, and countless other Japanese and American brands. He is also the featured voice in several presentations for the Japanese National Television network NHK and the Government of Japan.
Greg's Doyo songs are more than just music - they also move the heart. Many people in Greg's audiences break down in tears when they hear the passion in his singing voice. "I am a very emotional guy and I sing the songs in a very emotional way. Both Japanese and foreign audiences are touched by the Doyo songs."
Greg has released several CDs and books in Japan. His easy listening, healing CDs are a beautiful tribute to a musical genre that has a universal appeal that until now has been rarely heard outside of Japan. His music is aimed at everyone. "If people can open their eyes, ears and heart to this music, they are sure to enjoy it. Japanese in particular have a deep emotional attachment to these songs and it can be a pleasure for them to hear them in English." "You really should use your natural talents," Greg advises when asked how young people can reach their dreams. "Look into your heart and find what you really want to do. The road to do it will naturally unfold. Then just make the decision to do it."
Greg's English versions are now used in several textbooks in Japan, as a tool to make young people more aware of the beauty of Japanese culture. "Doyo is a whole genre of music that has never been taken abroad. I would like the songs to become a kind of peacemaker from Japan to the world." |
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