Jody Kamisato was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1977, in Honolulu, Hawai`i. Music has been an integral part of Jody's upbringing. At just seven years of age, Jody’s elementary school teacher gave Jody his first `ukulele lesson. At the age of eight, he began performing with the Honolulu Boy Choir. During the next five years he had the opportunity to travel all over the United States, record on an album, and sing on several national T.V. shows as well as commercials.


After graduating from Kaiser High School in 1995, his interest in `ukulele began to grow. Through the next eight years, Jody studied under a diverse range of `ukulele masters such as Jake Shimabukuro, Troy Fernandez, Peter Moon, and Roy Sakuma. In 2000, Jody joined "`Ukulele Academy" owned by Jake Shimabukuro and started his career as an `ukulele instructor. After graduating from the University of Hawai`i with a degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Music Marketing, Jody began teaching at `Ukulele Essence along with Bruce Shimabukuro.


As a member of the “BS Band” with Bruce Shimabukuro and Gary Akiona, they performed throughout Hawai`i and toured Japan on numerous occasions to do live shows and `ukulele workshops. In 2005 Jody's original song "Ainakoa" was selected for "Aloha Tofu's" official commercial song. In spring of 2006 the "BS Band" released their first album entitled "Incognito." Later that year, Jody completed his first DVD entitled "Island Style Ukulele".


In June 2007, Jody opened his own `ukulele school called `Ukulele Hale located in Kaimuki. With a talented and dedicated staff, he foresees a bright and successful future and looks forward to a variety of exciting projects with `Ukulele Hale including community service opportunities, public performances and a future Japan tour.


Jody spends most of his free time golfing, fishing, reading, volunteering, playing with his niece Ciana, spending time with his “little brother” Skyler from Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, working out, surfing and traveling the world.


Interesting facts:


  1. BulletEarned a black belt in Karate.

  2. BulletEnjoys living on the edge: sky diving, bungee jumping and cage diving with great white sharks.

  3. BulletWould like to challenge Takeru Kobayashi in a garlic chicken eating contest.