Oki grew up with his Japanese mother, and did not know of his Ainu heritage or meet his father until he was an adult.

[2][3] From 1987 to 1992 Oki lived in New York City working as a special effects technician for movies.

[2] Back in Japan in 1993, a cousin gave him a tonkori, an Ainu stringed instrument, and he slowly taught himself how to play it.

[2] Oki performs frequently in Japan, and he has also taken part in a number of folk music festivals in other countries.

His earlier solo albums include collaborations with the female Ainu singing group Marewrew, who sometimes appear in his live show as well.