Since1993, the encounter with Herb Ohta, triggered me to start promoting Ukulele by producing books and CDs. Currently many are also promoting through publications and CDs, popularity of this instrument continues to grow and it is unstoppable. On the side of my major activity of Southern All Stars yet fascinated with passion, Ukulele has been absolutely imperative in my life.

Lovers of Ukulele has gotten together and started the event called "Ukulele Picnic" which inspired by "Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele Festival" in Hawi of Big Island as a model event, currently has grown to draw 10,000 people and became the largest Ukulele event in the nation of Japan.

Year 2009 mark its 10th anniversary to celebrate this, we have come to decide to hold this event in the motherland, as "Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii". To embrace the relationship between Hawaii and Japan through the sound with the recording Artists from both end. To perform on the same stage and enjoy the music together with the local people of Hawaii. To send out the message of "Peace", "Friendship" and "Family" defines the meaning of "Ukulele Picnic". How great the joy to spread and send out this message of love to all around the world.

This is a new challenge for me and I am very excited to express the gratitude to Hawaii by planning this event. Personally and strongly commit my self to do this, which has given me not just an instrument or an event but many more in my heart. The band Southern All Stars has entered into some time of break, this band has been running for 30 consecutive years. I have a dream to build a Ukulele Museum in Hawaii one day. To bring this to pass, I am committed to become the bridge between Hawaii and Japan to share the beauty of Ukulele. Fans around the world and who are attracted by, can always visit. I truly believe this museum must be build here in Hawaii.

Speaking of the bridge, I'e also come to know what an icon of Hawaiian culture, Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Hokulea has become. Hokulea took the victims family (An accident happened on February 9, 2001, off south coast of Island of Oahu, Hawaii. U.S submarine Greeneville surfaced, it struck Ehime Maru a high-school fishing training ship from Ehime prefecture, Japan sank. 5 Teachers and 4 students out of 35 crewmembers were killed) out to the location and throw in flowers and leis into the water. In 2007, Hokulea voyaged to Japan, Captain Nainoa Thompson and the crew members made a stop at Uwajima-city, visited Uwajima Fisheries High School and dedicated the flowers before the memorial monument also held a workshop at the high school. Family members of the victims also received with thanksgiving towards the heartfelt condolences from the people of Hawaii.

By this episode, my desire to want to show the gratitude towards the people of Hawaii rose up. Perhaps this time we as a Japanese national will cross over the bridge that was embraced by the heart of Hokulea and the people of Hawaii, to bring in and show the heart of gratitude from Japan. This also stirred up and opened up the desire and project of this event.

We are very fortunate to have Hawaii's famous recording artists and Mr. KONISHIKI agreed to join this event. We are looking forward to open up and send out the message of PEACE and FRIENDSHIP through the title of this event to the world.

Last but not least, I would like to ask for your generous support and contribution for the event "Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii". Which truly has became my first step to show the gratitude to Hawaii.

Sincerely Yours,
Kazuyuki Sekiguchi