Girltrends' Krissha Viaje vies for world finals of 'I Can Sing in Japanese'

TOKYO--Filipino performer Krissha Viaje of the popular dance group Girltrends is competing with 11 other contenders for the world finals of  'I Can Sing in Japanese', a singing contest aired on Nippon TV featuring non-Japanese contestants who have a passion for singing in Nihongo.

The pre-filmed finals was held at Tokyo International Forum and will be aired in the Philippines on May 13 (Saturday) at 6 p.m. via SkyCable Channel116.

Viaje, 20, got the chance to officially represent Asia after besting 11 fellow finalists and winning the region-wide audition for the biannual show held in Singapore in February 2017 and hosted by GEM TV Asia. 

"Of course, I'm pressured to represent Asia because of high expectations," the petite and stunning morena lass told the media, among them The Philippine Star, during a junket to promote the show in the region.

"Even my fellow Girltrends members are so proud of me, telling me 'Uy galingan mo ha' (Hey, do your best),'" Krissha shared. "They are so supportive that's why I will feel sad if I don't win."

She added: "Whatever happens, I feel so proud to represent my country and Asia. This experience is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Viaje (Maria Krisshajene Frances Viaje) has been a long time fan of Japanese shows and this, according to a report, reflected in her soulful rendition of 'Precious' by Yuna Ito, the theme song from the movie 'Limit of Love Umizaru.' She reportedly stood out at the Asian audition with her "precise diction and expressive singing" which moved all the judges.

Almost identical to the ABC-CBN top-rating weekly reality contest 'I Love OPM (Original Pilipino Music), which started only last year, 'I Can Sing in Japanese' was created in 2011 to entertain and cheer up a grieving Japanese nation following a magnitude-9 earthquake and tsunami that shook and totally devastated a large portion of northeastern Japan. Close to 16,000 lives were lost and billions of dollars worth of property and infrastructure destroyed.

"The show was a surprise hit," according to Nippon TV's Yuki Akehi. "People were really entertained and it helped in Japan's healing process."

"You seen, the Japanese language is quite difficult to learn and we are humbled when a non-Japanese native speaks our language," Akehi said, adding that the show reflects the patriotism of the Japanese people. "It's surprising to us to hear them speak our language, let alone sing it. And it's more surprising to us that foreigners can sing our favorite Japanese songs much better than us (laughs)."

Krissha is among the heavily favored to win the finals and Sony Pictures Television Network Asia Senior VP Virginia Lim said she won't be surprised if Viaje will clinch the world crown.

"From her refreshing beauty and singing talent to her whole presentation, she has the making of a famous singer and star," said Lim, who headed a panel that picked Viaje as the winner at the Asian audition in Singapore. "I wasn't just looking for someone who can sing, but someone who has the making of a star in the future. And I must also say her command of the Japanese language is very good."

"In a lot of my shows (for Sony Pictures TV Asia), the Philippine contestants amaze me always," Lim added, citing shows like Amazing Race, The Apprentice Asia and Asia's Got Talent, where Filipinos contestants never fail to stand out. "I'm always very impressed of the contestants that come from the Philippines...it's a country full of great talents."

The director and creator of 'I Can Sing in Japanese', Yuji Gobuichi, said the Asian audition alone received 600 entries from six Asian countries invited to participate, as well several countries from outside the region. Only 12 were chosen for the Asian audition--two of them from the Philippines, including Krissha.

Unlike other singing contests where winners get cash and a recording contract, 'I Can Sing in Japanese' offers no cash prize or contract. Contestants participate "for the glory" and for the love of Japanese language and culture. But all the finalists are flown to Japan for a seven-day stay, all expenses paid from airfare to accommodations. Some of the winners were invited to perform in Japanese shows, while others used their winning to start a music career in their respective countries, according to organizers.