From Glencoe to J-Pop fame

Becoming a pop singer in a foreign country may seem like a farfetched dream for a high school student, but this did not stop a Glencoe graduate from following his dream.

Raised in the small city of Cornelius, Oregon, Nickolas Edwards has become one of the few well-known American pop singers in Japan. From singing, modeling, and acting, Edwards has drawn the Japanese nation’s attention to his outstanding performances.

When Edwards first realized he wanted to become a singer in Japan, he was only 16 years old. He always loved singing and being on stage, but it was not until he performed a Japanese song at a Glencoe talent show that he knew what he wanted to do for his future.

As a student at Glencoe, Edwards’ passion was learning the language of Japanese. He started taking a Japanese foreign language class as a freshman and completed all four courses in two years. According to Kasumi Aoki, the former Japanese teacher at Glencoe, the effort he put in to learning the language was remarkable. He practiced writing the characters every day at home, and when his family hosted exchange students from Japan, he talked to them in Japanese as much as possible.

In 2008 and 2010, Edwards also participated in the Japanese speech contest sponsored by the Portland consulate general and earned second and first place, respectively.

“He was a humble and dedicated student who loved the language and culture of Japan,” Aoki said.

Edwards said he remembers feeling excited and worried at the same time on the day of his graduation. He knew he wanted to leave the country to go to Japan and pursue his dream, but hearing other people's plans after graduation made him realize that his dream was very different and risky compared to everyone else.

“But I guess that's just who I am,” Edwards said. “I like to run before I can walk. I stumble on the way and embarrass myself, but at the end of the day, I would be more embarrassed if I didn't try.”

The day after graduation in June 2010, Edwards left the country with a one-way ticket and a suitcase in his hand to pursue his dream of becoming a pop singer in Japan. It was all or nothing. His mother, Lindi McGee, remembers it as a nervous and scary day. She was worried about letting him go, but had to trust the bigger part in life and let him find his way. Knowing the barriers he has overcome to reach his dream, McGee said she does not regret her decision.

After arriving in Japan, Edwards made his debut on Japanese television in June, 2011, participating in the first installment of the singing competition “Nodo Jiman Za! World.” Since then, he has appeared on various television programs both as a singer and an actor.

According to Edwards, his dream is not accomplished yet, and he said he is barely at the beginning.

“I don't want to rush it,” Edwards said. “It's important that I get there, but it's more important how I get there. Besides, the process is my reward, not the fame.”

In the fall of 2014, Edwards traveled to Sendai City, where he performed for an audience who experienced the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011. After the performance he received a note from a six-year-old boy who had lost his father in this earthquake. The note said, “I love you Nick...From Souta.”

“Even if it’s just for a second, it made me so happy to see the biggest smile on the little boy’s face,” Edwards said. “This is why I do what I do. When I sing, I love seeing the stars in people’s eyes.”

Edwards continues to travel to different cities in Japan spreading hope and encouragement to the people who listen to his music. Along with his music, he delivers the message that everyone is capable of doing anything they are inspired to do.

“It's okay to be sad or angry, and it's okay to make mistakes because that’s what makes life worth living,” Edwards said. “Even sadness gives meaning to all the good times that we have. So don’t ever say it's enough. Don't ever give up, and you will get there eventually.”

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