In 1995, Hashiken and his band was chosen as the 'Champion Band' by Asahi Television's "Ebisu Onsen'' program. A major record and management deal followed, by in January 1996, the debut album. His music is an evocative mix of blues, folk and jazz. He has now released four albums. A multi-instrumentalist, he plays guitar, ukelele, percussion and the Okinawan sanshin. Hashiken cites as other influences enka queen Misora Hibari, and Spanish flamenco.