The ukulele is like a baby,” says Kathy Sakuma. “You hold the ukulele gently—close to your heart. You hear the sweet sound of the strings and you feel instant joy and can’t help but smile and fall in love with it. We see every day how the ukulele brings smiles, healing, joy, hope. This tiny, ordinary instrument has an extraordinary way of touching the lives of people.”

That pretty much sums up why Roy and Kathy Sakuma have tirelessly dedicated most of their lives to promoting the ukulele. Roy is unquestionably the most successful and influential ukulele teacher ever—his Roy Sakuma Ukulele Studios, now numbering four, have been an Oahu fixture for a few decades now and nurtured thousands of students,from superstar Jake Shimabukuro to folks who are happy with playing their local kanikapila gatherings. Roy organized what is regarded as the first major ukulele festival in Honolulu 50 years ago (July 1971), and over time it has grown tremendously in size and stature, attracting the biggest names of the ukulele world to the Kapiolani Park bandshell along the way. At the same time, his festivals (which also include big events on Maui and the Big Island), have always showcased his students and other young players—and raised money for scholarships and youth programs.

Raiatea Mokihana Maile Helm is an authentic Hawaiian singer from Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi who is known for her powerful vocals accompanied by an authentic `ukulele strum. She has played for audiences around the world, places including China, Tahiti, Japan, and Okinawa.
It is no surprise her hard work and dedication for preserving the authentic Hawai’ian culture has landed her several prestigious awards including 2 Grammy nominations, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation Fellowship, and numerous Nā Hōku Hanohano Awards. Raiatea has garnered international success as well as being one of Hawaiʻi’s premiere female vocalists.

With only four strings, JAKE SHIMABUKURO is a humble master whose mission is to connect and inspire people. Whether one on one or in front of an audience of thousands, Jake shares a deep emotional connection with the listener that is open, magical and transcendent.
Often referred to as the Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Lee and Michael Jordan of his craft, Jake delivers performances around the world with an out-of-the-box blend of stunning virtuosity, deep musicality and a natural entertainer’s flair.

Jake the ‘ukulele to places no one has gone before, performing awe inspiring music that ranges from jazz, blues, and rock to bluegrass, class ical, and folk.

In the field of solo ‘ukulele playing, the number of recording artists who specialize in jazz can be counted on one hand. Bill Tapia and Lyle Ritz are two names that immediately come to mind. Now with this historic CD, Benny Chong’s name can be officially added to that “endangered” list.Benny taught himself to play the ‘ukulele when he was about 11 years old. After nine years or so, he virtually put the ‘ukulele away for some thirty-five years. When I met him in 1964, he was the guitarist with the Ali’is, the band that backed up Don Ho. In 2000, I invited him to be one of the four artists in “The Art of Solo ‘Ukulele”, a concert series that led to a CD and a public TV special. These events revitalized his interest in the ‘ukulele, resulting in his debut album Ukulele Jazz.

Byron Yasui taught himself to play the ‘ukulele when he was 13 years old. He played it for recreation from 1953 to 1960, then put it aside when he started college and became a string bassist. In 1998, the ‘Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum invited him to be one of the four ‘ukulele soloists in a four city concert tour on the east coast.

Jody Kamisato was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1977, in Honolulu, Hawai`i. Music has been an integral part of Jody’s upbringing. At just seven years of age, Jody’s elementary school teacher gave Jody his first `ukulele lesson. At the age of eight, he began performing with the Honolulu Boy Choir. During the next five years he had the opportunity to travel all over the United States, record on an album, and sing on several national T.V. shows as well as commercials.

As a member of the “BS Band” with Bruce Shimabukuro and Gary Akiona, they performed throughout Hawai`i and toured Japan on numerous occasions to do live shows and `ukulele workshops. In 2005 Jody’s original song “Ainakoa” was selected for “Aloha Tofu’s” official commercial song. In spring of 2006 the “BS Band” released their first album entitled “Incognito.” Later that year, Jody completed his first DVD entitled “Island Style Ukulele”.

In June 2007, Jody opened his own `ukulele school called `Ukulele Hale located in Kaimuki. With a talented and dedicated staff, he foresees a bright and successful future and looks forward to a variety of exciting projects with `Ukulele Hale including community service opportunities, public performances and a future Japan tour.

From ‘Ukulele Hale, Honoka and Azita won the MVP prize as a duo at International ‘Ukulele Contest in 2013, The duo became a sensation in ‘ukulele industry, and performed at many events and concerts around the world. Honoka now pursues her career as a solo artist.
Brought up in Hawai’i embraced by beauty from the mountain to the sea, Honoka has grown an admiration for the nature that surrounds her. The thoughts, feelings, and memories that nature brings to Honoka are the inspirations behind her music. As she travels the world with her ‘ukulele in hand, Honoka would like to continue sharing her love and passion for music and the aloha spirit.

Kala’e Camarillo was born and raised in Kihei, Maui. He is a third generation musician/music educator and is currently teaching at Kapālama Elementary as the school’s music teacher. In 2009, he entered the music scene with his cousin, Dane Lum Ho, when they won the Hawaii state wide “Band Champ” competition, awarding the duo the opening act for two major groups: The Stylistics and America. Today, after three solo releases, he has received 3 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award awards for Contemporary Acoustic Album of The Year, EP of The Year, and Christmas single of the year. He can be found performing regularly at Outrigger Reef’s Kani Ka Pila Grille, White Sands Hotel and Nico’s Pier 38, and often alongside Robi Kahakalau.

Mika Kane is a professional ‘ukulele player and Kamaka/Ko’olau artist from O’ahu, Hawai’i. Mika received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an ‘Ukulele focus and a Masters Degree in Educational Foundations from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Mentored by many of Hawai’i’s finest musicians, including Dr. Byron Yasui, Benny Chong, Bryan Tolentino, and Ian O’Sullivan, Mika has a prolific background in Classical techniques and interpretation, musical awareness, and music theory with Jazz harmonies. He mostly specializes in fingerstyle playing, adding relevant music theory concepts from his university studies to create a clean, one-of-a-kind sound.

As an educator following in the footsteps of his mentor Dr. Byron Yasui, Mika recently finished teaching in-person ‘ukulele classes at The Hawai’i Youth Correctional Facility for four (4) years and is currently lecturing in ‘ukulele at The University of Hawai’i West O’ahu and Windward Community College. Mika also teaches private online lessons with students from all over the world. In his free time, he does side work for TheUkuleleSite and UkuleleFriend.

Kalei’s adventure with the ukulele began at the age of thirteen. His exposure to a wide variety of ukulele masters including Alfred Canopin,Gordon Mark, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong and Kimo Hussey,motivated him to embrace a range of styles – jazz,rock,pop,classical,blues,flamenco,funk,as well as the music of his cultural roots,Hawaiian and island contemporary.

With 3 completed nominated albums to his name Kalei Gamiao been at the forefront of today’s ukulele revolution since 2008 when his debut album, “Contemporary Ukulele,” kicked up the demand for performances in the U.S market. After the release of his second album entitled “Redefined” in 2012 a greater demand for ore of his music and performances exposed Kalei to hundreds of thousands of ukulele enthusiasts from around the world as he continues to tour countries such as Thailand,Japan,Taiwan,Philippines,Korea,China,Hong Kong,Malaysia,Singapore and the U.S mainland.
When his third album “Merry Ukulele Christmas” released in 2013 as a seasonal project it propelled and broadened Kalei’s repertoire to new levels as many web and social media sites provide instant access for his fans to stay connected to his music and the explosive world-wide popularity of the ukulele. With the release of his 4th latest album “These Moments” in 2016 he has already traveled and performed in different parts of the world to share his passion for music.

As a true ukulele virtuoso he sums it up by saying….. “My ukulele expresses every word and emotion. I love to create and share my musical journeys for everyone to enjoy”.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Corey was immediately hooked on ukulele after picking up the instrument in fourth-grade music class. Corey was influenced by his father, other renowned ukulele virtuosos, and his love for classical music. He transcribed and arranged pieces by Bach, Mozart, and Pachelbel for ukulele – helping pioneer this exploration – which in combination with his traditional Hawaiian influences developed his style. He released his first album of instrumentals, Fables, in 2013, which earned him his first Nā Hōkū Hanohano nomination, and in 2019, he toured in major cities in Asia.

Even though Craig Chee was born and raised on Oahu, he matured as an ‘ukulele player and musician on the mainland. Throughout attending and graduating from the University of Oregon, Craig focused on teaching a myriad of different styles with the tiny instrument.
Craig started his learning journey, like many other Hawai’i residents, with friends and the Roy Sakuma ‘Ukulele Studio. He has had the honor of working under Jake Shimabukuro and Troy Fernandez, and has become a world renowned teacher and performer. Craig infuses his energetic and just plain ‘fun’ style into many genres of music and is known for his collaborations at different music events.

Sarah Maisel was born and raised in Alabama and found herself working in San Diego, CA as the Lead Female Draper for the La Jolla Playhouse and the University of California San Diego. After walking into a local ‘ukulele jam, Sarah was both fascinated by the instrument and the joy that surrounded it. Studying under Frank Leong, Sarah dove into the jazz stylings of golden age Hawai’i songs and arrangements inspired by ‘ukulele legends like Lyle Ritz, Benny Chong and Byron Yasui. Sarah found a passion for teaching and performing with the ‘ukulele and was quickly featured at many ‘ukulele festivals around the world.
Craig and Sarah discovered a similar passion and work ethic and in 2015, married. They have made an incredible splash in the ‘ukulele scene with their complementing styles and vocal harmonies.
Their love of teaching has blossomed into a successful Online ‘Ukulele School with Artistworks in 2016. In 2018 they created a monthly series of Live Streams for their ArtistWorks students. Those Livestreams were so popular that they were made available to the public after a few months, and became a new and fun way for them to share their passion for teaching and ‘ukulele with everyone!
In September of 2020, due to the pandemic and the birth of their son earlier that year, they decided to move home, to Hawai’i. Since moving home they have organized and osted the 51st Ukulele Festival Hawaii, including three mini events leading up to the main day (all virtual 2021). They have also started their own Backyard Concert Series, featuring local musicians. Their monthly livestreams are still on going, as they continue to spread the love of ukulele and teaching to the world.
In 2023 they set forward on a new venture, founding the nonprofit Four Strings at a Time. Their mission of engaging, educating, and enriching all ages around the world through music and the ‘ukulele has always been at the forefront of everything they do. For their first project, Craig and Sarah produced and directed a Livestream Benefit oncert to help Maui Food Bank. This 6 hour livestream featured over 75 ‘ukulele artists and groups from around the world. Four Strings at a Time were also the fiscal sponsor for the Online Silent Auction created by The Ukulele Site, with both the Concert and Auction bringing in over $135,000 to Maui Food Bank and $40,000 to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Kāko’o Maui Fund.
Four Strings at a Time is currently working on their pilot after school ‘ukulele program and look forward to creating more music education opportunities for children and adults.

Creator of the 100 Days of ‘Ukulele Project, Cynthia Lin is a singer-songwriter and creative community leader based in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Through her popular YouTube channel (65+ million views) and approachable teaching style, Cynthia has introduced the joy of ‘ukulele to a new generation of fans.
With the motto “Practice your ‘ukulele 5 minutes a day: it’s good for your brain, and good for your soul,” Cynthia has encouraged thousands of budding artists to embrace and share their own creative journeys.

Cynthia’s captivating vocals and story-telling delivery flow effortlessly with her smooth fingerpicking style, and her original songsreveal a thoughtful, quirky poet.
As an independent artist, Cynthia has toured the globe and released 9 album recordings, including ‘Ukulele Days, which hit the Billboardjazz and world charts.
Also an actress, vocal coach, and dancer, Cynthia embodies the mantra that she lives by: Follow Your Passion.
Find out more at cynthialin.com.

Multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Awards recipient, Kamuela Kahoano (born December 27, 1980) is a singer/songwriter/music producer from Honolulu currently residing in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

Kamuela is an accomplished player of both the ukulele and guitar, playing both left-handed; he also plays the djembe.Kahoano claims many influences, including Coldplay, U2 and the Beatles.

He is no stranger to the Japanese Hawaiian music lovers and has participated performing “live” for the Odaiba Hawaii Festival, back in 2019, as well as participated “virtually” during the pandemic in 2020 & 2021. He has also been a featured artist on Linda’s Ko Tiki Island Music Radio Show which aired extensively on KZOO Radio, as well as currently, airing on rotation on the popular new RADIO GOGO ( Global Radio ) with Japan affiliates. Needless to say, Kamuela Kahoano is rapidly becoming one of the global fan favorites from Hawaii!

Tracey Terada, aka Dr. Trey has made his life’s mission to show the world that the `ukulele is one of the most versatile instruments ever created. His passion for the music and the `ukulele has lead him to becoming a Na Hoku Hanohano award winning producer of Pure Heart (with Jake Shimabukuro). Currently, Dr. Trey has teamed up with Mailani Makainai to create an unstoppable team that brings a fresh and exciting approach to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.

Ukulele Hale is a unique and creative music school founded by Jody Kamisato in 2007. Nestled in the heart of Kaimuki on the island of Oahu, Ukulele Hale brings individuals both young and old together to learn the beautiful and captivating art of playing the ukulele. With talented and passionate instructors, everyone from beginner to expert can find their perfect place here.
Students have gone on to achieve wonderful successes such as winning major competitions, releasing albums, and touring around the world spreading the joy of music, ‘ukulele and the aloha spirit!

This hula team was formed in 1985 by Suzuko Schafer.
It was organized by members of various churches belonging to the Hawaii Association of Japanese Christian Churches.
Our hula team combines American Sign Language and basic Hawaiian hula into gospel hula. We dance with our hearts always turned toward God in prayer in thanksgiving and praise.

It was said that when missionaries arrived in Hawaii many years ago they discovered that music was the most useful way to communicate with God, so they used singing and dancing to evangelize.
Since then gospel hula has been widely used in Hawaiian churches for worship services.

The purpose of Gospel Hula is to witness the gospel of God to as many people as possible through hula. The Gospel Hula Team does not dance for entertainment,but we turn our hearts to Jesus.
We are giving ourevangelical testimony thru our hula. We are sharing the joy that wells up inside of us. It is not about how much applause we get or how bright the spotlight shines. What attracts people’s hearts? It is because the people who see us feel God.

This team work includes the “Light in the Heart”concert in December, worship hula at various churches, consolation visits to nursing homes, missionary work to Japan,etc. For more information, please contact to the Makiki Seijyo Christ Church Japanese department office. (808)594-8919

Sho and Tyler met at the Berklee College of Music when they were randomly paired to be roommates – and instantly, a new collaboration was born. The only two ukulele players at the time, but hailing from vastly different musical backgrounds, Sho’s energy and Tyler’s feel became the basis of a duo that would find themselves performing in and around Boston, and in ukulele festivals in the Mainland US. Now in their third year at Berklee, the ukulele roommates have teamed up once again to play their style in their instrument’s homeland, Hawai’i.

Sho Humphries, the 6th Annual International Ukulele Contest 2017 co-MVP, combines rock-inspired, percussive ukulele playing with uplifting songwriting. Writing often from their frustrations to the world, they performs with a stubborn refusal to give in and deliver hope with an emotion-filled voice. Sho also leads their own band in Boston, and as a member of Catfish in the Sky, they tour the South and have introduced ukulele into bluegrass and old time. Sho also still performs in their hometown, Austin, Texas.

Tyler Donkoh-Halm is a Boston based multi-instrumentalist that specializes in taking the ukulele into genres you’ve never heard it in before! With strong roots in R&B, funk, jazz, neo soul, and more, Tyler fuses countless styles together to fit his percussive and melodic ways of playing every instrument in his arsenal. With a wide array of performances both local and international, each show is unique and unlike the last, always keeping things exciting and the audience on their toes!

Ukesfun is a ukulele class and ensemble under the direction of Micki Chyu based in Irvine, California. Ukesfun was established in September, 2017. Classes contains all different skills levels and training classes for the ensemble performance. They have performed in L.A. International Ukulele Festival, Orange County Ukulele Festival, Taiwan Ukulele Festival, and consecutively three years for Ukulele Festival, Hawaii. Ukesfun is a diverse group including members whose origins are from the US and many Asian countries. Their passion for ukulele and love for music are bringing joy to people around them.

The group appeared in 1981, under the name of Algozes with the mission of promoting Madeiran musical traditions. In 1989 they managed to release their first albumw in a self-published edition, and which marked a change of the name of the group to Xarabanda. Xarabanda is the combination of Xaramba, which is one of the traditional music style of the Madeira, and Banda, which means “band” in Portuguese, with which they aims to give greater importance, than hitherto, to the traditional music of Madeira Island.

The 90s is the most fruitful decade for the group, with two more albums being released. In 1994, the group also created the first major traditional music festival in Madeira and organized for 5 years until giving way to “Raízes do Atlântico”, which is still active today in 2022.

In 2001, they released his first thematic album entitled “Songs to the boy Jesus”, which, given the number of sales and re-released more versions following years. After its hit, they recorded various thematic albums dedicated to traditional and popular games, tales and stories. As such, the themes are subject to different interpretations, so they work in a line of “heterogeneous stylizations” that, they believe, do not distort the material in question; on the contrary, it enriches it, always taking care to respect its own characteristics.

At this time, Roberto Moniz and Roberto Moritz will join the festival to showcase the beautiful sounds of Braguinha, which is one of the traditional instruments from the Madeira and the mother of Hawaii born instrument, Ukulele.

‘Flat Nine ukulele Jazz Orchestra’ is Korea’s first `ukulele jazz orchestra with `ukulele player Choi Min-seok as conductor and arranger. Founded in 2022, the orchestra has regular concerts every year, playing jazz with special arrangements exclusively for `ukuleles, presenting a new chemistry between jazz and `ukulele.

We are a collaborative team between singer-songwriter Kim Shin Bi and Seoul Plumeria, which is dedicated to promoting Hawaiian culture and ukulele in Korea. Founded in 2015, Seoul Plumeria is well-known for its numerous performances and volunteer work for marginalized communities, demonstrating its commitment to both music and social issues. The team has a significant impact across various fields, embodying a spirit of service and influence.

Special collaboration group is created, and they are called – “`Ukulele All Stars”! The group consists of talented musicians and `ukulele enthusiasts in Japan, led by Boo Takagi. Although he is well known as a member of the Drifters, he has been very passionate about `Ukulele for many years, and loves Hawai’i. About 25 years ago, Boo-san asked `Ukulele Picnic in Hawai’i’s executive producer, Sekiguchi-san, “Can we organize something, like `Ukulele Orchestra?” and that’s how this dream-like group was formed.

According to Sekiguchi-san, there are two very important criteria to be in this 1933 `Ukulele All Stars – 1) loves `Ukulele, and 2) respects Mr. Boo Takagi with whole heart. Current members are, Yoshio Nomura (very famous Tanokin-Torio member),Yoko Oginome, Kimiko Wakiyama,　Yu Hatakeyama, Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, and Boo Takagi.

Born in Niigata, Japan in 1955. While attending Aoyama Gakuin University, Kazuyuki joined as a bass player in the group “Southern All Stars”. In 1978, the band debut its original music “Katte ni Sindbad”.
In 1991, Kazuyuki met ‘Ukulele musician Herb Ohta who had been promoting the art of ‘Ukulele throughout Japan by producing books, video and CD’s. Besides performing, Kazuyuki expresses his creativity through novels, essays, and a series of written columns.

Born in Sugamo, Tokyo in 1933. In 1964, He Joined “The Drifters (Japanese Band)“ to host one of the legendary and most popular variety shows called “Hachijidayo Zen’inshūgō! (It’s 8 o’clock, Everyone, Gather around!) “ which aired from 1969. As the opening performance of the Beatles’ first concert in 1966 . He has been keeping himself busy in various fields of his many talents, such as album release events and live performances, as well as an instructor for `Ukulele lessons on NHK Educational TV.

In the early 1980’s, Yoshio Nomura made his debut into stardom as a pop idol with his nickname, Yotchan. He then become a guitarist for the rock-n-roll band Good-bye. His talent as a guitar player led him to join the touring band for Ayumi Hamasaki since 1998.

Yoshio is known to be a “guitar enthusiast” and has a collection of more than 300 guitars at home. His recent passion has been ukulele. For his first instrumental album titled “`Ukulele for Christmas,” he played all the instruments by himself, featuring techniques to play vintage `ukulele instead of electric guitar.

He has also produced his own ukulele model. “Usulele” (Usui means ‘thin’ in Japanese) became popular with its uniquely thin design. Several `ukulele producers are now inspired by Yoshio’s creation, and have been distributing their own versions of a thin body `ukulele. In 2020, Yoshio released his second `ukulele album, “`Ukulele Slow Life.”

Debuting in 1984, she has since released 42 singles and 31 albums, including best-of albums. Among her numerous hits are the singles “Dancing Hero,” “Roppongi Junjo-ha,” and “Coffee Rumba,” as well as the album “NON STOPPER.”

2017: “Dancing Hero” experienced a revival, reaching #2 on the Billboard Weekly Domestic Charts for the year. She also received the Special Award at the 59th Kagayaku! Japan Record Awards.

2018: “Dancing Hero” became the most-sung karaoke song for the first time. She received a special award at the 32nd Japan Gold Disc Awards.

2019: She starred in the drama “Net Utahime” (broadcast on NHK BS Premium in January 2019), marking her first leading role in 23 years. She celebrated the 35th anniversary of her debut in April.

2020: In August and September, “Mushi no Tsubuyaki,” a song she wrote the lyrics for, was broadcast on “NHK Minna no Uta.” This charming song humorously depicts the ecology of insects from an insect’s point of view, accompanied by the ukulele. It was the first time in 32 years since Yoko Oginome’s “Jungle Dance” (lyrics by Masakazu Mori, music by Tetsuya Komuro) aired on “NHK Minna no Uta” in February 1988.

International champion whistler. Born in Fukuoka, Japan. Garaduate of Kunitachi University of Music. Kimiko Wakiyama, the champion whistler, who won the women’s crown at the 2007 International Whistlers Convention (IWC 2007) in North Carolina. Wakiyama, can whistle across a range of three octaves, which means almost all vocal music is within her scope. Beautiful feminine sound marks as ” Lovely Tune “. Debut album, ” The Whistling Paradise ” (April 23, Victor Entertainment), was released as the first female solo artist. Without being bound by the general image of whistling, thriving through out TV programs and movies.

Yanagiman is from Yakushima, in Kagoshima. He moved to Tokyo in 1997, after having started his music carrier in Fukuoka are for a while. He has been composing and producing several songs to well known artists such as, Ketsumeishi, Funky Monkey Babies, Gosopelers, or Mika Nakajima. He is currently very enthusiastic about regional　revitalization project throughout Japan and other countries as well.

Yu Hatakeyama was born in Rikuzentakata City in Iwate prefecture. While growing up in Saitama prefecture, she joined brass band with her friends at junior high school. She was introduced to percussion instruments at band practice, and she decided to become a professional percussionist.

Later, Yu studied at Kunitachi College of Music, majoring in percussion. By the time of her graduation, she was awarded first prize at the Newcomer Concert of the Japan Percussion Instrument Association.

Yu’s career as a professional percussionist includes appearances as a support musician for Keisuke Kuwata and Tokiko Kato. After releasing her first percussion solo album in 2007, she produced 4 more solo albums. Yu has also released an instrumental DVD, “A Guide for Shifting to Cajón as a Drummer” as a leading Cajón musician in Japan.

Yu Hatakeyama has promoted many innovative ideas so that “usually behind-the-scenes” instruments, such as percussion, can shine on stage. For example, setting up the percussion instruments front and center on the stage, and organizing a live concert with percussion as the lead instruments. You might also find her at a “Battle Live” with other drummers, or in collaboration with rakugo （traditional Japanese comic storytelling）, of which she is a big fan!

【‘Ukulele but Pop】 is Tomoki’s theme. Since meeting the `Ukulele in 2013, he has won the Grand Prize at the 8th The `Ukulele Contest (#1 in Japan) in only 2 and a half years. He also has won first place in the International Contest the following year on Oct, 2016. From the gentle sound that touches the heartstrings to his aggressive performance that undermines the image of this small instrument fascinates all those that hear his sound.

Ukulele/Singer Songwriter

Introduced to the ukulele at 16 and studied abroad in US. Later returning to Japan, Tomoki has traveled to Australia, England and Italy to perform in various Festivals. Besides his performances, he has performed for Keizo Nakanishi’s tour as a Ukulele and Chorus member.
He now actively performs in the live scene with Soul and R&B as his roots. His sweet voice and groovy and mellow ukulele accompanies his original style.

A singer and ukulele player who respects and focuses on preserving the music passed on to generations in Hawaii, aiming to convey and spread the essence of Hawaiian culture and spirit in Japan.

Kahua’s artistic domain lies in expressing traditional Hawaiian music and exploring the full potential of the ukulele, an instrument nurtured in Hawaii, through his solo ukulele performances.

In the realm of Hawaiian music expression, Kahua has studied under Kapulanakehau Tamure, the former leader of “Na Palapalai,” one of Hawaii’s top musicians, and Kehau himself acknowledges that Kahua is continuing his legacy.

For solo ukulele, Kahua has apprenticed under Ryo Natoyama, a renowned ukulele player representing Japan.

Furthermore, Kahua has learned guitar techniques in the lineage of Andrés Segovia, a Spanish guitarist often referred to as the “father of modern classical guitar,” and developed and refined the “finger bowing technique” based on it. The exquisite tones produced by this technique elevate the small ukulele to a range comparable to the guitar.

JazzoomCafe：
Super technical ukulele player from Japan. Awarded the MVP prize at the International Ukulele Contest 2011, which was reported on the local newspaper and TV show in Hawaii. Since then, he has performed both domestically and internationally including New York, Saipan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam, and been invited as a guest player to the world famous music instrumental fare including NAMM show. He has released 6 full length album and joined the recording for a Walt Disney album. Not only as a performer, JazoomCafe is well known as a brilliant ukulele instructor. He has establish his own music school in Yokohama in 2011 and has brunches in Tokyo, Nagano, and Aichi. He has instructed over 5,000 people worldwide and published many instruction books and song books for ukulele.

saya：
saya is still a mid-school student at age of 13. Her debut on ukulele was at the age of 6, and only in 3 years, she won the MVP prize at Nagoya Ukulele Contest 2019. Following to the incident, she won the champion at Always Love Ukulele Contest produced by two popular ukulele players in Japan, Ryo Natoyama and Toshiki Kondo, and, further more, she accomplished the champion at the singing talent contest produced by Japan’s national TV broadcast staton, NHK by singing along her ukulele. In 2021, she took the MVP prize in the vocal devision at the Japan’s biggest ukulele contest “The Ukulele Contest 4 ALL” and was acknowledged as “The Queen of Contests” and made a CD debut in the following year. saya is acclaimed as a promising new star in Japan with the beautiful singing voice and outstanding playing technics on ukulele.

A ukulele Circle Team was founded in 2022 by Yusuke Takai, aka “Washi-san”, the owner of Ukulele Shop TANTAN JAPAN. In just two years, the number of members has exceeded 280, and the community is rapidly gaining attention in Japan. We deliver a fun time to our members, especially beginners.

Students from Poepoe Tokyo and Poepoe Nagoya, both run by Principal Sekiguchi Kazuyuki, gathered with the goal of performing on stage at the Ukulele Festival. This year, 16 students from different instructors will be participating and will perform three classic Japanese songs.
We will convey the spirit of Japan to ukulele lovers from Hawaii and around the world. We will also perform “Stardust Ondo”、 composed by Principal Sekiguchi.
Please look forward to the collaboration to traditional Japanese music “Ondo” and Hawaiian music!

Billy V is a veteran expert emcee who has been at the forefront of numerous events in the entertainment, hospitality, and sports industries; most of Hawaii’s biggest events. For the past 40 years he has been the broadcast voice and face of momentous events in areas including U.H. and professional sports arenas, cultural and political gatherings, to A-list conventions and concerts.
He has a passion for bringing people together and being a part of their lives through these memorable festivities.

In Japan, she worked as a weather girl (TBS), host and reporter for soccer and information programs.
Since moving to Hawaii in October 2002, she has appeared on BS-Nichi Television’s Aloha Channel, BS-TBS Life in Hawaii, and other programs and events based in Hawaii.
She has also served as the main host of the Honolulu Marathon and other events.

I am a Sea Turtle fairy born on the Punaluʻu Beach which has black sand created by volcanic activity of Kilauea.
I promote lifestyles filled with dreams and hope, and the protection of the nature of the world, by sending messages of “Treasure Heart” from Hawai’i to the world. If you see me, say the slogan of happiness, “Alohappy!”

Aloha!

My name is KamekameKun. I’m an 11 year-old local friendly boy. I love to explore around the islands to introduce great things about Hawaii and enjoying this beautiful islands. But not only enjoying, I’m also caring. Saying the Aloha and Sharing the Aloha, I encourage everyone to see how precious we are on this beautiful islands.

I love going to beach clean up every week and participate in local community. My goal is to keep this beautiful islands in clean.

Let’s take care of our beautiful Hawaii with Malama heart.

Have a Great Aloha Day!