JET Band History
JET Member Combo#1
In 1994, Live Music Bar JET was named after the original members of the JET band (seen here in 1974 pix when they were known as Kotobuki). The members are considered some of the pioneers of the well-known Ryukyu-no (Okinawan) Rock movement that began on Okinawa in the late ’60s and early ’70s.
JET Member Combo#2
In 1995, Jimmy became unable to play for several months. During that time, Kazufumi picked-up the role of the JET guitarist (Etsu and Taki continued as drummer and bassist) until Jimmy later returned. Kazufumi remained connected and occasionally stood-in as a guest guitarist when Eddie was unavailable. Kazufumi finally became the main guitarist in 2010.
JET Member Combo#3
Due to personality differences, Etsu decided to go his own way in November 1996. After Etsu departed Hayase Shiroma, a young 17 year-old, took on the role of JET drummer. However, he too failed to withstand the test of time and departed in March 1998.
(Photo courtesy of Hiroshi Hamaguchi)
JET Member Combos #6 & #4
Finally in March 1998, Atsushi and Tachi took on the role of the Sunday and Thursday night JET drummers. They continued to play in the band until the end of December 2001 when it was decided to close Bar JET on those nights.
(Photos of Atsushi and Tachi Courtesy of Hiroshi Hamaguchi)
JET Member Combo#5
At the same time in March 1998, Kochan stepped-in as the primary Friday and Saturday night drummer. This led to the band most Okinawan fans associate with the name JET. And in 2001, bassist Taki Furugen financed and released the first independent JET CD of seven original songs.
(Photos Courtesy of Hiroshi Hamaguchi)
JET Member Combo #7
In May 2004, Jimmy became unable to continue his duties. Appin carried-on as JET band guitarist and became the official guitarist in September 2004. In 2005 , bassist Taki Furugen financed and released the second independent JET CD, Rock ‘Till the Morning Sun, consisting of seven original and two cover songs. As with most of the other former JET members, Appin chose to continue his music career in a different direction and played as the band’s guitarist until the end of August 2006.
(Click on image to view large size)
JET Member Combo #8
As of September 2006, two new members joined the Ryukyu Island rock band JET, Mimi on keyboards/vocals and her husband Eddie on guitar/vocals.
This combination of JET members produced a reunion of the island’s former ’80s rock band Bullet.
(Click on images to view large size)
JET Member Combo #9
As of April 2010, Mimi and Eddie have gone on separate ways and play at various island functions.
The new Ryukyu Island rock band JET combo consists of Kochan on drums, Taki on bass, and JETsun (and JET combo #2 guitarist) Kazufumi on guitar.
JET Member Combo #10
On 26 March 2016, Kochan ended his 18 year reign as the JET primary drummer. As of 1 April 2016, the position will be filled by Kiyoshi Motobu. Kiyoshi is a promising 23 year old local drummer, who is also part of local band Veibeez.
Along with the change, Kiyoshi is sure to add his own special flavor to this new Ryukyu Island rock band JET combo of Taki on bass,
Kazufumi on guitar,
and Kiyoshi on drums.
I hate my picture!!! I look like a nine year old abducted by some old foagies!!!! OMG!!!!
MIMI
Comment by Mimi — August 31, 2006 @ 1:11 pm
Well weren’t you… after all this pic was taken about twenty years ago… 🙂
Comment by JETjaw — September 2, 2006 @ 4:50 pm
Hello, It’s been a long time since we rock and rolled! I miss going to the JET and seeing the best Okinawan musicians play. I wish I could see and hear the new band. Hopefully, someday I can visit. Thank you for all the great times. Dennis Mahon
Comment by Dennis Mahon — January 12, 2007 @ 1:54 am
Hey Dude, I didn’t even see this post until now. It must have slipped through with one of the upgrades. Anyway, good to hear from you. We’ll be here the next time you come. I think you’ll enjoy jammin’ with the new members.
Comment by JETjaw — February 13, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
Was at Jet Aug.4th with daughter Penny. Enjoyed it so much we came back Aug. 11. What a great band. Great music and wonderful personalities. Have challenged you to play Crying by Roy Orbison. That would truly bring me back!!!!! You guys are awesome!!!!
Comment by Linda Cigler — August 23, 2007 @ 3:01 am
We\’re glad that you enjoy the performances. I have passed the Crying challenge on to Taki. The band has several other requests for covers songs already lined-up, and are trying to get to each of them as quickly as feasible… 🙂
Comment by JETjaw — August 23, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Your information is inaccurate. My name is Roy Suetomi and I was the vocalist/keyboardist of Kotobuki during 1974-75. Please check your sources. I know Jimmy has passed away but Takeshi and Etsu will confirm that I was in the band during that time when we played at Club Fire and Club Tiger with Murasaki.
Comment by Roy Suetomi — July 22, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Hey Roy,
I know you were in the band ’cause we were classmates at Kubasaki in ’74. Please check the whole band history page. It mentions the band members were formerly known as Kotobuki. If I remember correctly, you didn’t open on June 1, 1974 when the band played as the house band for the first time at Fire. Rather, you joined after the guitarist, Noboru, and singer, Dave, left the band.
It’s really good to hear from you. I’ve tried to get in touch to no avail.
Take care…
Dawn
Comment by JETjaw — July 29, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
Lots of Okinawan Rock history on this page.
Glad I could be there to witness it. Lots of great times at the Jet too. I might make it back one of these days. Currently in mainland Japan. Keep on rockin’
Comment by Rich McManus — September 17, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
Hey came in tonight Nov 22 08 and was just going to say that out of all the times I have had there tonight was the best!
Comment by Brandon Haynes — November 22, 2008 @ 2:31 am
Hey Taki how do I email you this is Jim Kirk, I am currently retired from the military and now music is my living and I love it. Would love to hear from you guys and would love to know how to get copies of the CD here in the states. I do miss my Okinawan family. Fell free to email me at kirkcheyenne@aol.com and check out some of our music at edgeofsoul.com or Itunes. I jsut found out about Jimmy I am saddened by the news. Please contact me would love to hear what you did with tequila rose. I am glad someone was able to use it LOL. Love ya. jim Kirk
Comment by bradbrit — June 5, 2009 @ 6:20 am
Guys – I was there on opening night! A small group of us Marines came in and were the only Americans in the bar at that time. Everyone made us feel welcome and we hung out after the bar closed. Over the next 6 months we were there almost every weekend…just to hear your version of Black Magic Woman. To this day – one of my best memories of being in Okinawa. Thanks for keeping the music going!
Comment by Steve — September 9, 2009 @ 2:33 am
Hey JIM…sooooo glad to hear from you. This JUST made it through the system and I found it today. Taki will be e-mailing you for further info on how to get the CDs with Tequila Rose to you. I think you will really like the arrange Taki came up with for the song.
Comment by JETjaw — September 29, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
Thank you for keeping in touch..we are so glad you have such fond memories and hope you drop by if you’re ever back on island.
Comment by JETjaw — September 29, 2009 @ 8:15 pm
Wow, was reminiscing a bit and decided to see if my favorite bar/music joint of all time was still there… and am delighted to find that it is!
Former Marine stationed there in 94-95, only just now discovered that the place was brand new back then. I was there ALL the time (usually with a tequila sunrise in my hand), and even recorded many shows on video (yes, I still have them, and the audio is pretty good). Played in a cover band myself, and the guys were gracious enough to have us play there one weekend.
Sorry to hear about Jimmy (what a player, what a guy… even let me crash at his place one long, long night) and that Etsu moved on, but hey, Taki! Great to hear you’re still rocking out after all this time!
Sounds like there have been many changes over the years. Gonna have to get me a copy of those CDs…
Comment by Jeremy Miller — June 13, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
Hey Taki I ust got one simple question…What ever happened to Etsu? I mean like after he left
Comment by David Turner — June 17, 2010 @ 4:31 am
I just left Okinawa a couple months ago. I was visited JET pretty regularly. Thanks for the good times and memories! Has Kazufumi learned any Boston yet?
Matt
Comment by Matt — September 9, 2010 @ 9:12 am
Just spent a few days in Okinawa and had the honor of listening to this band. All I can say is… WOW. I have listened to a lot of live music all over the world, and you won’t find any better than this one in this type of intimate setting. The collective talent, charisma, showmanship and professionalism of this band blew me away. The next time I am there, I will not leave without recording a video of Black Magic Woman–best cover I’ve ever heard. Every solo, bass, drums and lead was perfect and unique. I’ve heard Santana do it, and honestly, I like JET better!!! How is that even possible? Anyway, Kazufumi is my new favorite lead guitarist of all time. JET rocks, and I will never forget the experience–truly an honor and privilege.
Comment by Drew — January 9, 2011 @ 4:22 pm
Hey Taki!!! We miss you and JETS! Highway Star by Deep Purple just came on the radio and took me back to your bar. Have you performed Into The Arena lately?
Comment by Chanda Dressel — January 22, 2012 @ 2:52 am
Taki, This is Jamie, I don’t know if you remember me. I miss Okinawa I’ve been in the states since 2007. I remember coming up and jammming with you and Kochan it was always a good time.
I was in the band Stormwatch with Ken Cooper and am good friends with Appin. I wanted to know if you could help me, I’m looking to get back in touch with Ken Cooper and Appin, I can’t find them on facebook or anywhere and wanted to keep in touch. Can you help
Thanks Jamie
Comment by Jamie Bitting — February 4, 2012 @ 9:14 pm
I am a 74 kubasaki grad also…i used to listen to murasaki at the teen clubs on base. And also condition green. My neighbor in ojana was rido hayata…georges brother. Thay were somhow related to murasaki guitar player. Heavy water with john patterson was just starting up when i left for the philippines. Black feather was also just getting started. At clark air base i saw a band dyna souls who i heard is now playing in australia.
Thanks for all the good music and memories!!!
Comment by charlie calalay — April 21, 2012 @ 3:33 pm
Taki, this will jog your memeory and take you way back, I played drums with you and Steve Tingen plus, I cant belive I found this site just thinking of good old days. I knew you would continue to play, I sure miss the days we spent together, porbably the best band I ever had the pleasure to be with. How is Dawn, say Hi for me. contact me I would love a cd of jets
Comment by Steve Brunecz — June 5, 2012 @ 4:02 am
Marine stationed in Oki in 98-99. Went to The Jet several times a week. My going away party was there when I left to go back stateside. FREEBIRD!
Comment by Nathan Baethke — March 10, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
Jamie,
I can get you Ken’s phone number. Email me at shimagua@hotmail.com
Comment by marty — April 10, 2013 @ 11:05 pm
Hey it is jim Kirk Again and I am so dying to hear tequila rose can you send a copy of the CD to
James Kirk
3958 Commerce Street
Grenada MS,38901
38901
I will pay you back with the return address you give me I just want to hear this song so so so bad LOL
Comment by Jim Kirk — July 18, 2013 @ 1:04 pm
Hey guys! Was feeling nostalgic and looked you up. Haven’t really found a band that I like singing some Deep Purple with quite as much as you guys. I don’t know when I’ll ever get the chance to visit, but I hope you’re still rockin when I do. It’s been a long time, but the memories remain.
Comment by Scott Geary (Liquid Karma) — September 26, 2013 @ 12:33 pm