Pinay finalist in Japan singing tilt shares preparation strategy

A Filipina who is set to compete for the finals of Japanese singing tilt shared how she preps for the competition after her win at the auditions.

Krissha Viaje made it to the finals of the Japanese singing tilt “I Can Sing in Japanese” after topping 11 other contestants from Asia. Her successful audition in Singapore bested other hopefuls from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

READ: Pinay to compete in Japanese singing tilt

“I Can Sing in Japanese” features non-native Japanese speakers who have passion for singing Japanese songs. The contestants are judged based on pronunciation, singing skill and emotional impact.

The performers are assessed by a panel of industry experts based on their pronunciation, singing skills and how they express their love for Japan through their songs.

Viaje described the win at the auditions as “overwhelming.” She delivered a soulful rendition of the song “Precious” by Yana, theme song of the movie “Limit of Love Umizaru.”

“I was hoping that I can win but I certainly didn’t have much expectations because all my co-contestants were really good as well,” Viaje said.

She shared that she joined the singing tilt after falling in love with Japan and its culture, and that she enjoys listening to Japanese songs, especially her favorite original soundtracks from animés and dramas.

Viaje has been in the local entertainment industry since 2011. She appeared on several TV shows, commercial ads and music videos before joining the Japanese singing tilt.

Now chosen to represent the country at an international competition, she said that she feels “privileged” and a bit pressured as well, describing the event as a rare opportunity.

When asked how she preps for the finals, Viaje shared: “I vocalize and practice daily and listen to how the original singer pronounces the Japanese words. I read the English translation of my songs from the internet to make sure I understand them and sing from the heart.”

To motivate herself, she imagines the big stage in Tokyo where the Japanese audience will be watching.

“It’s nerve-wracking yet exciting since one of my dreams is to perform overseas,” she said.

She also shared that aside from listening to and practicing her piece for the finals, she avoids eating food that might affect her voice, and speaks less to avoid straining her throat. “I am conditioning my vocal cords the best way I can.”

Though Viaje have not met or heard the other contenders yet for the next round, she said that all she knows is that it is going to be a tough one.

“They (other contestants) love Japan and its culture as much as I do or maybe much more than I do. I just make sure that I always sing from the heart,” she said.

After the contest, Viaje said that if she will be given a career in Japan, she would grab it, and if not, she will still continue singing Japanese and admire Japan and its culture.

Message to fans: “To my Filipino supporters, I will be bringing my best self to the competition in Tokyo so I hope you continue supporting me. Stay tuned to GEM on SKYCable to catch me on the show!”

The show is slated for filming later this year.