Jero

So it was significant when a mixed-race singer known as Jero was named one of the country's best new artists at the Gold Disc Awards — Japan's Grammys — in March.

A New Look For Japan’s Musicians 2009

Singer Jerome White, Jr., 27, known as Jero, performs a type of Japanese blues called "enka", at the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, in Washington on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

Island Packet: Home 2009

Singer Jerome White, Jr., 27, known as Jero, performs a type of Japanese blues called "enka", at the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, in Washington on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

Island Packet: Home 2009

Singer Jerome White, Jr., 27, known as Jero, who is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. and now lives in Japan, is seen at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, on Friday, March 27, 2009.

The Hive - A community site of the Modesto Bee 2009

Singer Jerome White, Jr., 27, known as Jero, performs a type of Japanese blues called "enka", at the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, in Washington on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

Island Packet: Home 2009

Singer Jerome White, Jr., 27, known as Jero, who is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa. and now lives in Japan, is seen at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, on Friday, March 27, 2009.

Island Packet: Home 2009

Perhaps even more meaningful, Jero, who is three quarters African-American and one quarter Japanese, also won the award for best enka artist, topping the genre of traditional love ballads that are often about specific places in Japan.

A New Look For Japan’s Musicians 2009

Jero, a.k.a. Jerome White Jr., grew up in Pittsburgh, singing such songs with his Japanese grandmother.

A New Look For Japan’s Musicians 2009

Jero represents a new breed of multiracial singers who are gaining popularity for the considerable talent and innovation they bring to Japanese music, rather than as sideshow curiosities.

A New Look For Japan’s Musicians 2009

The Jero Gde was clearly managing the entire rice-growing ecosystem, not just irrigation.

Diffusion of Innovations Everett M. Rogers 1995