Paradise Honolulu
The Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra
A Wonderful Mix Of Songs In The Japanese Language

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Na Hoku Hanohano Award Finalist: Liner Notes
 You’ve never heard anything like this before. In 1946, the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra took the Hawaiian Japanese Music scene by storm! They reigned supreme, showcasing Hawaii’s finest musicians & singer-entertainers. For ten years straight, the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra was booked to perform for one year in advance. By far the most enduring orchestra of it’s kind. In one form or another this musical ensemble was a going concern for almost 65 years. In its heyday the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra was the top Hawaiian Japanese music ensemble in the territory of Hawaii. A wonderful mix of songs in the Japanese language, the repertoire includes a little of everything. Japanese “blues”, a tale of a yakuza henchman performed in the traditional “enka” style, classic folk songs, patriotic songs celebrating the exploits of second generation Japanese-American fighting units during WWII, a song describing the hope & optimism of war brides from Occupied Japan coming to the islands for the first time, up tempo Hawaiian-themed love songs, Hawaiian-style falsettos & harmonies & so much more. It’s ethereal & extraordinary. Evocative selections that will bring sentimental
tears to your eyes.