Tokyo-Born Yodeler Captures Global Spotlight with Over 28 Million Views

Nov 17, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - In the heart of the Alps, Takao Ishii, a professional Japanese yodeler is drawing global attention by singing yodels in a small village at the foot of the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany.

Over 50 years ago, Ishii traveled to Europe to study mechanical engineering. However, captivated by the charm of yodeling, he decided to remain in Europe and pursue a career as a professional singer.

Today, Ishii not only performs on German television but has also collaborated with the American band Gregory Brothers, producing a song that has surpassed 28 million views on YouTube, earning him worldwide recognition.

Ishii describes the appeal of yodeling as, "It instantly brings images of the Alps to mind" and "it brings joy not only to the singers but also to the listeners."

Originally from Tokyo, Ishii is now 77 years old and dreams of continuing his yodeling career to become the world's oldest yodeler.

Source: ANN

Tokyo Metro Unveils New Headquarters

Tokyo Metro has unveiled its new headquarters ahead of a full relocation at the end of August, featuring an open office design filled with route symbols, station names and other elements inspired by the subway network.

Tokyo to Resume Black Bear Hunting

Tokyo is preparing to allow hunting of Asian black bears for the first time in about 20 years, with a proposed hunting season from November through February and an annual capture target of around 34 animals in parts of the Tama region, including Hachioji.

Typhoon No. 18 Moves North-West Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 18 (Soudelor) formed near the Truk Islands on August 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it gradually turns northwest, potentially approaching the Ogasawara Islands before moving toward Okinawa or the Pacific coast of western Japan.

Moss-Covered Healing Forest Draws Visitors

After 10 p.m., the clouds that had covered the sky above Shirakoma Pond gradually began to clear, revealing countless stars and the Milky Way rising vividly over the mountain lake in Nagano Prefecture's Northern Yatsugatake range.

Fire Breaks Out at Sairinji Temple in Saga

A fire broke out at Sairinji temple in Saga city on the morning of August 18, engulfing the building in flames and prompting the dispatch of 10 fire engines and two ambulances, with no injuries reported so far.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Free-Spirited Dolphin Yuki Goes Viral

A playful young dolphin named Yuki at Kagoshima City Aquarium has become a social media sensation after videos showed her freely sliding along the poolside, spinning around and plunging back into the water while other dolphins followed their usual routines.

ANA Faces Backlash Over New Domestic Fare System

All Nippon Airways has come under criticism over a new three-tier domestic fare system introduced from May 19, with complaints over seat assignments and reports that some passengers booked on the cheapest fares were unable to board their scheduled flights, prompting ANA to consider changes as it seeks to improve the profitability of a domestic network where about 60% of routes are in the red.

Nagoya Castle Elevator Dispute Continues

Nagoya City has begun individual consultations with disability advocacy groups over accessibility plans for the proposed wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle's main tower, as the two sides remain divided over how people with disabilities should be able to move between floors.