The Black J-POP Singer That Made History in Japan (Black in Japan) | MFiles

In this episode of The Melanated Files (MFiles), we introduce Chris Hart, J-Pop Singer-Songwriter and Producer who has been living in Japan for 12 years. Chris is a J-Pop celebrity that is well known across Japan with numerous hit songs which he sings in mesmerizing Japanese. Watch to hear his story.
You can find Chris on Instagram here: @chrishart_official
You can find Chris on Twitter here: @chrishart_jp
You can find Chris's KZbin channel here: ‪@ChrisHart_Songs‬
Visit Chris's website here: chris-hart.jp
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The Melanated Files or the MFiles is a Black Experience in Japan's series that highlights black people from diverse countries across the globe. It focuses on sharing the story of the individual; who they are; what they do; what they are passionate about; and what their experience has been so far, as a black person living in a foreign land.
Melanated is a word that is regularly used in the black community. It means “full of melanin.” Files is in reference to the collection of stories of black people that will be shared in this series.
If you would like to be featured or know a black person living in Japan or another foreign land, who would like to be featured, please send us a message on our Facebook page: / theblackexjp Or tweet or DM us @theblackexjp
Visit our website: www.blackexjp.com
Also remember to subscribe for weekly videos on the black experience across the globe.
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Thank you for watching!
#blackinjapan #mfiles #chrishart

[@1saacbcourt452]

I cannot believe you interviewed Chris. He is a star.

[@diskea]

You should try to get an interview with Crystal Kay. She was actually the first black singer in Japan to really open doors for foreign singers, multi ethnic singers, etc. She’s had a number one album in Japan, multiple top ten albums, and a number two single back in the day. She’s also already done English interviews with other you tubers but I’m really interested to hear the one she would do with you. I also remember Chris Heart back when he got popular doing covers. He was different because not many foreigners were doing covers in near perfect Japanese at the time. Nowadays in Japan, that’s not so shocking because there’s a lot of foreigners who speak Japanese. He still did his thing and is great singer though. He was on a show with Crystal a few years ago if I remember correctly. Love the video

[@boy15island8]

She 's born and raised in Japan so peaple didn't see her as a foreign singer

[@knganthonyii2320]

@@boy15island8 People in Japan don't consider foreigners or anyone not of Japanese descent as Japanese. Foreigners are very rare, only 2.2 percent of people there are foreigners they don't view her as the same is all I'm saying.

[@milkandspice1074]

I thought Crystal was biracial/korean and black?

[@boy15island8]

@@milkandspice1074 She is and born raised in Japan.

[@bluestilling101]

I don't know about her yet, but I will research her after watching this interview.

[@fengshue6714]

Oh my !! i didn't expect Chris hart to be here such a surpris it's been years i listen to hart music such a great artiste !!

[@busymike]

Very insightful interview. He dropped a lot of good game for people who want to learn the language and move to Japan some day.

[@yawye3013]

ついにクリス・ハートにインタビューとは！ランゾさん、おめでとう！

[@SkyWireMashups]

AMAZING that you could get Chris on 😭😭😭 thanks so much for this, hopefully you can get other famous black/biracial artists in Japan on in future 🎉🎉 I love so many of the points he makes about the freedom of J-Pop, exactly why I love it too

[@nodnarb5]

This is easily one of my favourite BEJ interviews to date! Chris Hart not only is a Japanese singer, but the life wisdom he shares is worth the watch in and of itself. All those times in I sang Japanese songs in Karaoke and it never occurred to me that Japan had professional black singers (or that I could become one). It would have been nice to hear more about Chris' 2 week homestay as I also did a 2 week homestay in Japan (but at the end of high school) and it definitely made me want to go back to Japan to live as well. Chris dropped an interesting mix of advice! 1.) Be open to taking risks 2.) Be open to possibilities 3.) Every major breakthrough (he had) was born out of some kind of loss or difficulty. (I can attest to this in my own life) 4.) Burn your bridges 5.) Find something that makes you happy and don't be afraid to fail 6.) Odd things that he never imagined that came together. (His debut happened just not the way he expected) 7.) "There is a lot of possibilities you just can't imagine, and that's where chance is, in the places that you don't know." @37:00-37:15 "If you have a dream just go for it, and by whatever methods it takes, and whatever route you go...make it happen." I never heard of this guy before or his music but I'm very inspired now to listen to his songs and learn more. In terms of Japanese singers he's worked with...were any of them Ayumi Hamasaki, Utada Hikaru, Miyavi, Gackt, and/or Chariots?

[@tashykurosaki]

Amazing interview, his rich life experience and kindness really shows. Wishing Chris much more success

[@clistens4102]

One of your best interviews. More international music artist would be nice to see. Keep up the great work.

[@khalilahd.]

Wow this is actually really informative. Love to see our people breaking barriers 🙏🏽❤️

[@silverexperience]

Preach

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

Yes

[@user-hi4xf5cc3x]

お？クリスハートさん CD買いました

[@ChibiOcti]

Chris Hart's music is amazing. Thanks for the interview!

[@Guardian016]

I really admire him. As a Japanese person, I'm sure that he has had countless unpleasant moments in Japan, but he always remains optimistic and loves the country. His amazing personality is what makes Japan great for him, IMHO.

[@roooosieful]

Will never ever forget hearing Chris hart singing on that tv program, it was truly incredible.

[@dwood78part23]

Congratulations on Hart's success :)

[@cska47]

Great interview. We felt Chris's love to Japan through songs he sung in the TV show. That's why we love you and welcome you.

[@dariamancini963]

Chris hart is a fab guest. So articulate and interesting story

[@RTTagalog]

Amazing Interview! I stumbled upon Chris Hart on spotify while listening to jpop radio and now he’s one of my favorite artists. Even moreso after this interview!

[@legendarymajin9670]

Amazing!!! So glad to see Chris get an interview. I’m crossing my fingers for Crystal Kay at some point 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@Blessedwithcolour]

I made the right choice to click - super encouraging and inspiring as always!! Thank you so much Chris and Ranzo!!!

[@pugnaciousdeliciososa2191]

He went platinum first record?? Wow, congratulations! That means he sold a minimum of 250,000 units (Japan uses a bit different count than US or Canada which are 1 million and 80,000 respectively). Glad to see him thriving.

[@myrilunalee9999]

I love this. Thank you. Thank you for connecting me to this amazing artist. :)

[@saishowaguu2]

Nice. Met Chris Hart and Jero over my years here in Japan. Happy to see my bros are still doing well. Hope we get a chance to meet again when the pandemic dies down. Great interview.

[@georgeredd962]

you should feature chef richard petty….he’s at circa 1888 restaurant in shizuoka…..the service is impeccable & the food is so good it’ll make u scream & give u goosebumps!😋

[@lukefoster6122]

Very interesting and graceful interview as it's great to see such a humble/cool guy turn into a pop star in Japan. It's amazing how music brings ppl together first his parents then his family. Well done BEJ Family shoot for the stars.....

[@shawnbuchanan01]

Lovely, simply lovely voice!

[@micjordangabs]

As someone who’s always been interested in moving to Japan (after having moved from Africa to Europe and now to the States), I can see a lot of parallels to anyone moving to a new country. I’ve had to learn English (French is my mother tongue) and my mouth was hurting initially after a long day of talking English 🤣. Perhaps I will move to Japan next as i’ve learned Japanese in college but never used it. I really love your channel, Ranzo. Hope to meet you one day!

[@jayclarke777]

Strangely enough... English is ~30% French (Battle of Hastings).

[@bluestilling101]

Wow Ranzo, you found Chris Hart. I am a huge fan of Chris Hart. I haven't even watched the video, but know I will enjoy hearing what he has to say.

[@choberi]

i loved this interview. so much wonderful advice

[@5ayes12]

What a humble lovely talented man he deserves all his success. This is one of the most interesting human journeys that i have ever heard of--just a fabulous story and kudos to Ranzo for his interviewing style and great questions

[@desmondehoppie4758]

Inspirational. Great Advice 1) Burn Your Bridges - Those that hold nothing for you and were not good for you. 2) Do not be afraid to fail. Moving forward does indeed require both. Also, do not fear risk and uncertainty. Thank You for taking the time to make this video.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Brotha, you make some outstanding content! Thank you for revealing the Black experience in Japan.

[@TheBlackExJp]

🙏🏿👊🏾

[@marvinwhite7570]

Great interview! Much success and happiness to this man and his family.

[@rochellek5327]

Awesome Chris👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽. Congratulations on your success and continued blessings to you👏🏽👏🏽🥰

[@mojdehs1524]

This is a DELIGHTFUL interview! I tip my hat to both of you! Really a joy to listen to this conversation

[@sunnyskies4628]

This was so eye opening. I had never heard of Chris Hart until I watched another Japanese vlogger going to one of his concerts. He has a beautiful voice…so I looked him up on KZbin and your vlog came up with this interview. I’m so glad you did this interview, now I know about both of you and both of you are great!!!!! Thank you!!

[@reduniverse8912]

I've been watching these videos for ages, and I've finally been inspired to be serious with my own Channel. I now have 107 subs, thanks man for the wonderful videos. Keep them coming.👍

[@harryvoirner4775]

japan loves black people. i went to japan and it's true 💜💜💜💙💙. blk ppl love japan 4ever

[@NiKaHikari]

Bro I used to listen to his album in like 2014, nice to see an interview from him, GOOD singer

[@cherio1970]

クリスさんの話をここで聞けるとは！ 興味深いですね。

[@MiNa2928]

This interview is so informative and open. It’s wonderful. Thank you for producing this content. You and your guest Chris Hart, brought joy to me. I love it! I’d like to purchase some CD’s. Sending y’all a big happy shout-out. 🎼

[@_.empress.azure._]

I can't believe that by complete coincidence that two of your guests have been from the Bay Area 🥹🥹 Reaffirming my destiny goals!

[@ntech1507]

This was a great episode

[@platophilosopher1293]

Respect for you Chris! Your accomplishments teach us the following: there is no substitute for hard work; there are no shortcuts in life; sacrifice for what you desire and you will achieve success at the end; always work hard and you will reap rewards at the end; invest in yourself by way of continuous education; learn from others and from your environment - wherever you are; self-confidence and self-belief are important; trust in your abilities; always stay positive about life in general; respect others - regardless of their cultural background, status in life and you will receive respect in return; be humble - always; be willing to be flexible along the way - but keep the focus on your ultimate goal. You embody all of these. All the best in your future endeavours! Ranzo - kindly pass on this message to Chris - in case he does not see it.

[@cheryljuliette5017]

Congratulations!!!! Absolutely a fun and loving interview. 🎶💛⏰💌

[@andrewr3362]

Man this was amazing.

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

This has been one of your best, Ranzo. I love that you're channel is back on this track.

[@kngston20]

Chris Hart is a great singer, got all those obachans crying every New Year. Much-continued success.

[@complexblackness]

Thought he was Sean Kingston for a second.

[@ntech1507]

me too

[@ellegmye]

This is killing me for no good reason 💀💀💀💀

[@complexblackness]

@@ellegmye lol

[@ntech1507]

He has a great voice when he is singing his voice sounds so Japanese

[@calleegirl5737]

I really enjoyed this interview, its always good to hear about positive experiences, as a foreigner in Japan. My family and friends are happy that I'm following my dream to head to Japan, but have reservations due to all the negative stories that persons currently living there or who have lived there have had. Negative experiences aren't necessarily linked to a place, there is always a 50/50 chance that you will meet good or bad people anywhere in world...with that comes equal risk for really good experiences, and that's what I'm choosing to focus on. Chris is so humble and honest, I really enjoyed this interview.

[@davem39]

Absolutely fascinating interview! I’ve never heard about this gentleman! He seems like a very decent human being!

[@user-rw8st3qd8w]

すごいクリスハートさん がいるなんて　クリスハート さんの曲が大好きです

[@nepthyscairo]

Keep up the good work🤘🏿🎶🎩

[@DrJustininJapan]

wait?!!! i know him!! AWESOME INTERVIEW 🤩

[@debbereebonnick6613]

Thank you for the information you give to us! There are still many of us living in boxes here! There have been many mechanisms put in place to stymie us as a whole, however, I am happy to see young people going over, under and around in order to be where they want to be. (Sometimes, they even kick down doors 🥰) Bless-up yourself son and keep on being righteous!

[@raphaelouattara9841]

Hi RANZO i love your channel thank you for making the world to discover how much we are one people no matter how different our skin color looks like here my thoughts Thank you again for the good work Raphael Ouattara from the USA

[@TheBlackExJp]

🙏🏿

[@beckybryant520]

Was that the People to People Student Ambassador trip? I think I bailed on the same trip because I couldn't afford to go. That's so cool that it had such an impact and Chris went and achieved his dream! ALSO HOLYCRAPOLA MAN HAS A WICKED VOICE!!! I am an immediate fan~

[@Zee56t]

クリスが出てる💕💕 びっくりです！

[@kathleenmiles4269]

Great interview. 素晴らしいインタビュー

[@janeann3331]

This was so nice and his advice was so great!

[@daddams100]

Great interview…I learn about new and interesting individuals Irving in Japan. Thanks again.

[@jayclarke777]

Inspiring stuff. Salute to you gentlemen.

[@Zionfarm]

Awesome job brother.

[@Trakusenpai]

Chris Hart 🔥🔥🔥

[@Sha-Ne-Ru]

Love the advice on burning bridges^ some people are 100% too scared to let go of what they need to. also, I like the idea of working on skills and personality over perfecting language skills

[@KathyakaNina]

Wow what an incredible story. As someone who is a young woman & teaching music self-employed, I know it wasn’t going to be easy when I studied music & going for that field. Props to Chris & the process it took to where he is today. God continue to bless your career Chris & your family! It was a great reminder that I shouldn’t be afraid to fail though it scares me to be honest. There’s a lot in music I want to try but having confidence in the talents God gave me has been a struggle & sharing it since its a way how God spoke to me. Looking forward to more stories of others in the music industry. I always wondered what it is like as a foreigner being in that industry over seas. I really love that Chris took the language learning seriously before moving and in his career.

[@aziz1985abdul]

B.E.J. Please get an interview with Utada Hikaru.

[@Kudi-Chan]

Omg it would be awesome if you could interview Crystal Kay! I LOVE HER

[@KurosakiLuvar01]

I wanted to do it first! I’m proud but I’m super peanut butter and Jealous 💖 haha

[@CyrussNP]

You didn’t really see black people do rock? Black artists created rock and roll. Nice interview! Very inspiring.

[@SoulOctavius]

So cool! 😄👍

[@ManFinest]

Wow this is a big interview

[@phanTV90]

he gives some solid advice that could apply to anyone really

[@user-fr1dg6pw2y]

クリス！❤️❤️

[@juuzou7332]

Wow hes so amazing i cant believe he can sing japanese

[@cameronfields1342]

He is living my dream 🥺

[@georgeredd962]

harvey thompson,the jazz singer from detroit,should be featured…..he lives in tokyo

[@vanessabrown1189]

Would Chris want to cross over to the States. I hope you as being black become successful in J- pop. I'm proud of you

[@krissydiggs]

Omg he’s so cool!! What a dream!!

[@popporo_kagawa]

39:00 That's the most profound thing I've heard in a long time.

[@eio1971]

Wow great interview. His journey has been fruitful. Japan's passport is better than US passport.

[@popporo_kagawa]

19:30 The African in me died when he said he gave up U.S Citizenship for Japanese citizenship. To us that's the Holy Grail.

[@k.8297]

WOW!

[@Drega001]

Big up Chris

[@okitasan]

you gotta get Jero on the show

[@JwinBaby]

What's up Broski 🦋

[@HacksignKT]

Nice!

[@Eric-le3uu]

Great stuff!

[@otakukazu3419]

NANI!!!!

[@lizawinslow4773]

🌈🌈🌈🌈one of your BEST!!!!!🌈🌈🌈🌈

[@jeanhyppolite1101]

Wow he is dope.

[@ciello___8307]

wow, I didn't know chris started off working in a vending machine company!

[@aigeee]

Oo

[@HacksignKT]

Fair and based

[@nirbija]

Very very excellent point of an African person 'loving the group mindset', which makes a lot of sense; because the 'We mentality' IS a shared mindset of African and Asian peoples. And we can contrast that 'We mentality' of Africans & Asians with the 'me me mentality' of europeans. lol With Africans, the fundamental and binding Principle in society is Ubuntu (I am because you are). We owe our existence, naturally, to the 'Collective'. In Asia, Confucius gave intellectual heft to this very same Ubuntu Principle, which stresses the importance of the 'Collective', with his Confucianism. With europeans, the emphasis is on the very very superficial and delusional 'individualism'. So even though this African and his lineage have been scattered from their African roots by demons, the devils STILL aren't able to erase the deep-seated Africanness out of him. lol In the same way that the African physical features endure, so too fundamental African mindset ALSO endure, no matter where in the world the African resides.

[@annmariebusu9924]

Ranzo your live stream has no sound. The one on Canada

[@1murkeybadmayn]

Chris is a great singer. He did say something odd though. Sorry, I don't agree about natives not being impressed by a foreigner who can speak the language. That can never be true in any culture. You can literally see people's face change and attitude warm to you when you can speak their language as a foreigner.

[@theecitizensofyahwehmedia3581]

"A BLACK JPOP SINGER, WE CREATED POP/HIP HOP/ JAZZ / BLUES / ROCK AND ROLL?????????????

[@harryvoirner4775]

u should make a black privilege in Japan video. ur videos are awesome 😍😍

[@fungames1594]

Go around and show all the original black Japanese statues & pictures. All of the lion statues they made in remembrance of their African homeland. Wake up the Japanese people & other Asian people.

[@lastdayz7896]

Really!Make a video on this!