Japanese singer Aisaku Yokogawa prefers OPM hits

MANILA, Philippines- He may have the looks of a Japanese, but Aisaku Yokogawa says he’s a Filipino at heart.

Moving to the Philippines during his younger years,  Aisaku was able to adapt to the Filipino culture

“I find Filipinos more fun to be with and the country itself  [is fun] as well,” he said. “I love the Filipino humor, the culture, and the best of all, the close family ties. I love my parents and I am glad that I know how to show my love to them like a Filipino son can do.”

Being a Christian as well, he became familiar with Gary Valenciano’s songs whom he considers his biggest musical influence.

“My favorite singer is Gary Valenciano,” he relates. “I live in a church so I had the chance to learn good music first from Gary V's songs. His music covers a lot of genre from pop, dance, soul, jazz to ballads.”

He even recalls that, “the first live concert I ever watched in my life was his as well.”

Loving OPM

Meanwhile, music is something very close to Aisaku’s heart, and since he’s here in the Philippines he  is more  familiar with Filipino songs than  Japanese hits.

“I know more OPM than Japanese songs now,” he proudly says. “I have more Filipino friends than Japanese friends on Facebook. And I guess I am a Filipino by heart even though my pair of eyes makes me look like I'm asleep,” he said followed by a laugh.

Though  Japanese accent is still perceivable when he speaks Filipino, Aisaku released a self-titled album with covers of OPM songs.

His album’s carrier single “Ikaw Pa Rin” ,  an original hit by Ted Ito, won the “Best OPM Cover” award at the 2013 GawadMusika Awards and Consumers Quality Awards.

Other songs in his debut album are “Remember Me” by Renz Verano, “Honey My Love So Sweet” by April Boyz, “Isang Tanong Isang Sagot” by Donna Cruz, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit” Leah Navarro, and other Tagalog songs of Japanese roots.

“Modern OPM music is something I really love,” he says with a smile. “I give credit to OPM artists who bring the genre to a new level of classy music, like my current favorites Noel Cabangon, Sitti, Gloc-9, JayR, Ogie Alcasid, and a whole lot more!”

Aisaku Yokogawa’s self-titled album is produced by Janette Ito of Japan's i&i Records in tie-up with Japan Home Centre and distributed by Universal Records Philippines.