 Hi, I'm Rusty Kamori, and this is Beyond the Lines on Think Tech Hawaii. I was the head coach of the Punahou Boys varsity tennis team for 22 years, and we're fortunate to win 22 consecutive state championships. My book Beyond the Lines is about leadership, creating a superior culture of excellence, and finding greatness, which is what this show is all about. My special guest today is an extraordinary musician and the nicest, most genuine guy you will ever meet. He is ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, and today we are going Beyond Music. Hey, Jake, welcome to the show. Aloha Rusty, great to see you, man. It's nice to be able to connect, you know, even though we're not in the same room, but this is still beautiful. Great to see you, man. Thank you for having me on. Now Jake, regarding the coronavirus, what message do you have for your fans here in Hawaii and around the world? And that's a tough one. It almost changes every day, you know, but I know for, I can speak for myself, you know, what I've been doing is I've been, you know, I've been shaving every morning, you know, I get dressed up every morning, take a shower in the morning, get ready, get dressed up, and you know, just because even though I'm just staying at home, you know, I want to feel like, you know, I'm being productive. I want to feel like I'm preparing, you know, myself to do something, to be productive, you know, to spend the day with my two children, you know, to do things around the house, you know, my wife is, she's in a medical profession, you know, so she's working every day and, you know, she's out there and, you know, we just want to be as supportive as possible. And I think that that's all we can all do is, you know, we just have to stay positive. We have to support each other, you know, in our own ways, educate ourselves, stay informed, and just, and look at the big picture, you know, this is not a time to be selfish, but a time to really think about, you know, to be empathetic and just think about how we can overcome this, you know, as quickly as possible and with the least amount of damage. And Jake, yeah, you know, there is the light at the end of the tunnel and everybody's working together. And you and I, we know each other for many, many years. And I loved it when you would come over to my place and perform in my living room during my wine tasting social gatherings. And I know that you went to, you grew up in Kaimuki. How was your experiences growing up in Kaimuki? Yeah, I've always had such a, such a positive experience, you know, growing up in this community. I still live in Kaimuki and I'm, you know, just, just grateful. You know, my dad, you know, he grew up in Pololo and, you know, he went to Kaimuki High School. I followed in his footsteps. I went to Kaimuki. My mom was a McKinley grad, but it's okay. You know, we still love her, but, you know, there was always a rivalry between Kaimuki and McKinley, but, you know, I've always felt very fortunate, you know, to have, you know, just to grow up here because there's a strong sense of community, I think, in Kaimuki and especially now, you know, I think there's a lot of, there's a lot of these kind of Kaimuki pride, you know, slogans and t-shirts and hats and, you know, so, but I think also, you know, it's given me so much, you know, in terms of just being a part of something, something greater, you know, being, you know, just seeing firsthand how your actions and what you do impacts your neighbors. Kaimuki has always been kind of a little bit of an older community, you know, so a lot of grandmas and grandpas, you know, out working in the yard and all that and just kind of, you know, I don't know, just, I felt very, you know, very fortunate I just have a lot of wonderful memories here and that's why I think I still, I still live here. It's changed, you know, it's been changing a lot, but some things are still the same, you know, we still got that, that big old Christmas tree on the top of the hill, we got the crackseed store, you know, coffee talk on the corner, you know, that's another one that I remember spending a lot of time, time in when I was a kid, you know, just writing songs and Liz would let me come in and bring my ukulele and just kind of practice or play, you know, and then of course, you know, growing up at, you know, just going to Kaimuki High School. I have so many wonderful memories there, a lot of, a lot of musicians, a lot of musically talented peers that I've had, you know, just growing up there, learning so much from them. As some of you may know right now, you know, Kaimuki High School is going through a lot of, there may be a lot of changes, you know, happening. I think there's a student body of, I think, less than 400 or maybe about 300 people now, you know, there was almost 2,000 when I was in school. And even despite all of that, you know, I want to send a shout out to the Kaimuki High School football team, you know, for winning the OIA championships, you know, despite their size and just, and just kind of the struggles, you know, that the school has been, has been tackling recently. Yeah, Coach David Taltofi is an amazing role model and such a great leader for the boys. And I want to ask you, Jake, about your mom, you know, your mom is a great role model as well. And what is, what's the, what's the most, what do you admire most about your mom? Yeah, well, you know, my mom, she, she always gave me really great advice, you know, she was always very supportive of everything I did. And one of the things, you know, I tell people that the best advice my mom gave me was she said, you know, she doesn't really care what I, what I do in life as long as I strive to be the best at it. And, and it makes me happy, you know, and I think that's, that's probably what, you know, all that you can hope, you know, for your children is, is you want them to, to find something. I mean, the way I look at that now is, you know, is you want to find, you hope your children find something that they're passionate about, something that they believe in, something that, that, that they want to commit, you know, their, their time and hard work and effort, and, and just make sure that it, that it makes a positive impact, you know, in their community, you know, in their state, in the country, or, you know, in the world. And I think that's, that's important. And of course, you know, the, the happiness part, you know, I've always felt that, you know, joy is really found in, in doing something that, that you love, you know, when you're fulfilled, and you feel that you're doing something that has meaning to you and, and, and it's worth fighting for, you know, I think that, that, that brings a kind of joy and fulfillment that, that you don't, that is, is, I think that, that, that stays with you forever. I, I totally agree with you, Jake. And, you know, you're, you and your brother, Bruce, are very close. What do you admire most about your brother? Yeah, you know, my, my brother, you know, he's always been, he's always been the type where growing up, he's very talented, you know, so he picks up, he picks up things quickly, you know, so I think growing up everything that, that we did, you know, he was always better than me, you know, like we would, you know, shoot pool or play darts or play basketball or, you know, or even a video game or something, you know, but he, he picks up things so quickly. And I think that that was something that I always admired of admired him, I admired about him. And he also has this ability to, to just kind of, like, you know, break, break things down and explain them, explain them. You know, I think in, in a way that's, that is, sorry, sorry, if I seem a little distracted, I have my kind of running around you right now. But yeah, I think, you know, he's, he's always been, he's always been very, very creative and very, anybody can you go down? He's always been the, the creative one, you know, always kind of thinking of new ideas and, and interesting ways to do things. So yeah, so, you know, he's, he's the type, you know, he'll, he'll always find a way to get something done. And, and you know, he was also classmates with, with David Tatofi, you know, Coach David. And I saw, I saw you interview him, you know, on your show. And, you know, he and my brother knew each other very well. And, and, you know, and it's just, it's just so, so inspiring, you know, to see what that generation, you know, is doing and what they're, yes buddy. Because I think like David, you know, he's, he's so incredible in the sense where he's just got this, you talk about passion and talk about like, doing, making a difference in the community, you know, and just his heart for the, with, for the, the students and what he's doing with the Kameke youth development is just, it's so inspiring to me. And I just, I'm so grateful to know him and just to kind of see the, the work that he's doing for the community and to see the, the, the fire that he's lighting, you know, in, in the hearts of, of these, these young, these, these young students. Yeah, he's, you know, for him, he's definitely making a huge impact. And, you know, Jakey, you, you are making a huge impact, not just in Hawaii, but around the world. I mean, you've done tons of sold out shows. And, you know, you love performing live. What, what is it about performing live that you love so much? Well, the thing, the thing that I, I, one of the reasons that I love music is because I feel it brings people together. It, there's a, there's a, I don't know, for me, it's almost like a, it's therapeutic, you know, like when I, when I pick up the ukulele, well, I guess I pick it up for different reasons, you know, sometimes I pick it up just simply because, you know, I need it for myself, you know, and then there are times where I will get up on stage and play, and, and, and it's this incredible rush and energy, you know, just connecting with people and, and, and, you know, the complete strangers, you know, room full of people that most of them you've never probably met before, but you're able to just connect and unite in a way that, that is very impactful and meaningful. There's a, there's a Japanese word and it's, it's Ichigo Ichie. And, and the meaning of the direct translation is once in a lifetime. And it has a lot to do with, with people with, it has a lot to do with people coming together and sharing, sharing a moment, but then also being very, being very grateful and, and knowing that, you know, this moment will never happen the exact same way again, with the, with the same, with the same group of people, you know, and it reminded me of just being on the road and touring, you know, because every night you're in a different city, you're playing for a completely different audience. But, but I think just knowing that, you know, well, I guess thinking of it that way, you know, just makes every night fresh and special. And though you, some people may think that you're, you might be playing the same songs or doing the same things, it's, you know, it really, I don't know, it just makes, it just, it feels different, you know, every time. And, and I think that's why live music is so powerful, you know, because it's, you're creating an atmosphere and an environment and experience, you know, that has never happened before. I totally get that, Jake, because, you know, people that have never seen you perform live, I mean, I highly recommend they go because the deep connection that you have with your audience is, is priceless. And Jake, we're going to take a quick break. And when we come back, we're going to continue going beyond music. Okay. Okay, sounds great. Thank you. You are watching Beyond the Lines on Think Tech Hawaii with my special guest, Jake Shimabukuro. We will be back in a quick minute. It's duration. I'm the host of Finding Our Future here on Think Tech Hawaii. I'm here every other Tuesday from one to one 30 p.m. Here on this show, I cover issues around sustainability, you know, global issues that matter for young people for future generations, and other social justice issues. So please join us. It's live streamed on Think Tech Hawaii and also uploaded on YouTube. Welcome back to Beyond the Lines on Think Tech Hawaii. My special guest today is an extraordinary musician who has performed to countless sold out audiences around the world. He is ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro. And today we are going beyond music. Jake, you know, I know you performed with so many talented, famous musicians around the world. And one of them is Jimmy Buffett. What's what's one thing that you that you learned from performing with Jimmy? Oh, gosh, you know, he's he's such a great storyteller and communicator. And I just love how he just makes everyone feel like, you know, he's speaking directly to them or he really he has this ability to just kind of whether it's an audience of 15,000 or 100,000, you know, he just has this incredible ability to just kind of unite everyone, bring everyone together and and just share this incredible experience. You know, so it was it was always just fascinating, you know, to watch that night after night how he just goes out there and and and just, you know, command that stage and and just make everyone feel, you know, so welcome and and and so loved and appreciated. No, and you know, he speaks very highly of you and so does Jack Johnson. And what's something about Jack Johnson that you really admire? Oh, man, I just I just love how, you know, he's just has such a heart for the community has such a heart for for for kids and for, you know, he he Of course, he loves music. He loves playing and all that. But, you know, but I think he's he's a great example of of someone who uses that that platform, you know, to to do just such positive and positive things, you know, in the community, he's he's really one that that's not afraid to get his hands dirty, you know, to to be that servant leader, to go out there and lead by example, you know, to to be there out on the front lines and just and and inspiring, you know, people to to just come out and volunteer or to help raise awareness. And so I think I think that's that's awesome. You know, I think it'd be great if, you know, if if every artist could be could be like that and have that type of mentality. Yeah, I totally get it. And Jake, you know, I heard that Dwayne Johnson, you know, The Rock, I heard he was super excited to meet you. Super excited. No, it was funny. Like, I don't think he was excited to meet me. Oh, I heard he was excited. But it was funny because we actually had the same English teacher growing up, you know, at Washington Intermediate School. Well, back then it was intermediate. Now it's Washington Middle School, but we both went to Washington Middle, and and we both had Miss Tajiri, you know, as our as our English teacher. So so we both kind of got to share stories about about her. And she was such a wonderful educator and she was a big influence, you know, for me. And and even though, you know, I think my my seventh and eighth grade year was was was pretty tough, you know, but I think she she was one of those teachers that I remember that, you know, would kind of pull me aside and really believed in me and always gave me, you know, good advice. And and she always saw saw something in me, I guess that that, you know, that that inspired me, you know, to try harder and to do better. Jake, let's talk about my books. I still got to get you my my second book that's coming out beyond the game. But in my books, I talk about purpose. I talk about purpose and really finding your purpose. And what do you feel your purpose is in life? Oh, yeah, well, my I think I think everyone's well, shouldn't say everyone. But I mean, for me, the way I was I was raised, I feel like my purpose is just to, you know, genuinely try to do things that will create a better a better life, you know, for the next generation. And and, you know, in terms of I mean, I mean, just just I mean, in everything that that I do, you know, if I'm if I'm going to do something I want to always try to be aware of what I'm doing and how it's going to impact, you know, my my kid's future. If I'm going to be devoting my my time and energy, I want to make sure that it's it's I'm doing something that will you know, make a make a positive, you know, impact, you know, also investing, I think, in in not just my my own children, but investing in other people's kids, you know, because those are those are my children's, you know, peers and and it's going to be their friends. They're all going to be they're all going to be going to work, you know, at the same time, getting they're going to be, you know, working in the same industries and and and fields, you know, when they when they get older and they're the ones that are going to have to work together and figure out how to how to solve, you know, the problems of tomorrow. So I really think that that's kind of my role or, you know, or anyone's role is, you know, it's just like what you know, I'm a fifth generation Japanese American, you know, my great, great grandparents, you know, worked hard so that their children could have a better life and then, you know, and my great grandparents worked hard. So their children could have a better life and my grandparents worked hard, you know, so my mom and dad could have a better life. And the same thing, you know, with them for me and now with me for my children. And, you know, and it's just this this cycle. But, you know, but there comes a time when, you know, if we keep if we keep doing that and and if we keep pushing for For a better life, you know for the next generation, you know at some point we have to really define better You know what is better because you know when I think um, you know A hundred years ago, you know better was like having having more you know my my my great-grandparents, you know never Never had a car so they wanted their children to have a car and you know and then and they never had a house So they wanted their children to to have a house and and so forth and as as as the generations You know as we go down the line at some point, you know At some point, you know the Four or five generations down the line, you know our kids start getting a little spoiled, you know because we start Too much and we forget to teach them what it's like to struggle a little bit and and to and to work for something So I think it's it's important to really define what what better is, you know, and we're trying to you you want to you want to Teach them, you know to have good character good work ethic Awareness I always I was preached to my my my two kids. I was telling remember these things you know be humble grateful and kind, you know and and You know, those are those were lessons that were instilled, you know Different time I was a kid so Jake. Is there a challenge in your own life that you have to overcome? Oh Yeah, I mean there's there's always There's there's always challenges, you know, and And You know, I think I think one of the most empowering things that I that I realized was with with every challenge you know You have that you have the power to make it to make it as as Grand or as minuscule it is as you want it to be right? It's it's your it's your attitude How you let it affect you how you perceive it? I mean, it's just like, you know Like like in like in tennis, you know, so much of it is that is that inner game, you know It's it's it's how you deal with it on the inside. I think it's you know, especially right now, I I tell my children that, you know, it's like You know, it's almost like like the like a butterfly having that opportunity to crawl back into its cocoon, you know and And make improvements to itself, you know, and gets to come back out and and I think in a lot of ways, you know, that's that's what that's this is a If you look at this this outbreak, you know this it's kind of a If you want to put it under a positive light, you know, I was telling my kids that that in some ways it's like It's like we have this amazing opportunity right now to study how a virus like this, you know spreads throughout the world, right and And even though people are sometimes saying like oh, it's just like the flu or they're not really taking it seriously I think, you know, we really should take it seriously because this is a great way to to really fine tune a System, you know in case ten years from now, you know something ten times more deadly Breaks out, you know, and then and I think having going going, you know going through something like this, you know Our world will know exactly what to do, you know, what what works what needs to be done what what to prepare for Sorry, I think it's it's a it's a great study and if everyone does what they're supposed to do Then we can get a good read on how effective, you know, some of some of these Some of these things are and and are going to be, you know, in the future Because you know, we'll never get up. We'll never get a be able to to Again, you know and and the next time it it happens, you know, like I said, it may be something way more devastating So, I mean, I think I think we should really Take this seriously take it to heart, you know, because because even Because I mean by doing so you're you're just it's just it's just better for it for everyone You know, it's even better for the scientists to study these things and you know and our government to to understand How to handle these situations better But I also tell my kids that you know, this is this is a great time, you know to to work on your your your inner game You know to do you have you have the time now I see all these posts of people, you know, writing things like writing things like, you know I always used to say my house is so dirty because I don't have the time to clean it Right, you know, but now my house is still dirty, right? So it's like It's kind of like, you know, they're they're we've always used time as an excuse or we've always used You know, we're too busy to do do this or too busy to do that, you know Well, this is you know for for For a lot of people who are who are forced to be at home and not not leave leave their house And they have all this time now, right? This is I think this is The time to kind of put your money where your mouth is, right? Really work on those things, you know to To to To do all the things that you said you were gonna do but never had time to do it, you know Words and actions matter, right Jake? Yeah, you know work work on your inner game, right? Yeah, and I know about your inner game because you know, it just seemed like yesterday I had a bunch of tennis sessions with you And I know how hard you work and it just seems like yesterday that we would have my wine tasting social gatherings with you in the in my living room and Jake, you know, I really appreciate you and your time, you know sharing your insights and talking with you today and Really wish you the best in the in the future and hopefully Things can get kind of back to normal sooner rather than later, right? Yeah, no, I think I think this is This is really You know, it's it's gosh, I just it's something that none of us have have ever experienced, you know like time and and it's just and You know, it's there's gonna be all kinds of repercussions, there's gonna be all kinds of things that are gonna be affected, you know by by this That that maybe we can't really foresee at the moment Well, we'll get through it. Yeah, I think if we all just really stay positive and and we We we we stay positive and we We band together. I think, you know, I think it's gonna be I think we're all gonna come out of this All right, and hopefully Even as as better and stronger People fully agree. Hey Jake. Thanks for joining me on the show and look forward to talking to you soon Okay Thanks, Rusty. I really appreciate it and and and thanks for having me on. Sorry. I was a little Yeah, I'm sure everyone understands so anyways, but you take care great to see you and thanks for all the all the wonderful work You're doing and and congratulations on the new book can't wait to to see it when it comes out Thanks, Jake and Thank you for watching Beyond the Lines on Think Tech Hawaii and a special. Thank you to my clothing sponsor Eolani Incorporated For more information, please visit Rusty Komori.com and my books are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble I hope that Jake and I will inspire you to create your own superior culture of excellence and to find your greatness and Help others find theirs Aloha