Preview: Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir at Japan Parade 2023

“Kimiko Matsuo is a popular coordinator for Japanese Media, Music labels, and Tourism as a bridge between NY and Japan.
 
In Japan, she worked in one of the largest Entertainment companies as a media director. Managing and promoting ads in magazines and newspapers, as well as television, and conducting interviews.
 
In 2002, Kimiko moved to Harlem, NY, to introduce Harlem topics to Japan, edits the books, writes the columns, coordinates Japanese magazines & TV programs, introduces or invites The US artists to Japan. Developing & training young talents, Kimiko is featured by the media in Japan and The US.
 
Giving back to her beloved Harlem Community, Kimiko has been doing clothing donation, collecting from the Japanese community and giving to churches, public schools and shelters on a regular basis.
 
In 2014, Kimiko received the “Women of Excellence” award from Black community in the U.S.
 
Born and raised in Japan, she graduated and earned a B.A. in Economics form a Christian university. Serving in the Music Ministry as a member of her home church in Harlem.
 
While singing gospel every week, as a representative of the Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir (HJGC), she holds a gospel workshop every week at the church and gives regular concerts.
 
In 2014, Kimiko held America’s largest entertainment “Super Bowl” NY, and she was the first Japanese person to be appointed as a board member (officer) of “NFL Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”.
 
Kimiko also visited Japan in May 2014 for a workshop and concert with the Grammy-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers.”

“A native of Harlem, Minister Melody Moore is noted for her musical gifts and talents. She is an accomplished Gospel Musician, Vocalist and Instructor and Choir Director for over 30 years.
 
(Melody is a Minister of Music and the Arts to the New Testament Baptist Church in NYC)
 
For more than 10 years, she served as the Musical Director for Japanese gospel choir,
also providing instructional gospel music workshops in Japan. She’s known for her energetic teaching techniques, creative directing methods and unique teaching approach to the Gospel Music.
 
Furthermore, she aspires to continue to let her God given name, “Melody” be an inspiration and life testament to share the Gospel in word and song to the world.”

“The 2nd Annual Japan Parade will take place on Central Park West from 81st Street to 67th Street on Saturday, May 13th, beginning at 1:00 pm with the opening ceremony from 12:30 pm. Olympic gold medalist, author, and Always Dream Founder Kristi Yamaguchi will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal.
 
This year’s parade will also feature a live performance by the cast of the 2.5-Dimensional show from Japan, Live Spectacle “NARUTO”. We are also seeking the attendance of senior representatives of NYC for the parade’s opening ceremony.
 
Alongside the Japan Parade, the Japan Street Fair will be held on West 72nd Street, and will feature activities including calligraphy, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami, photo opportunities, and a giveaway.
 
Also at the street fair, JAPAN Fes will be organizing over 20 tents serving authentic Japanese food, nearly doubling the number of tents from last year.
 
Participating groups include Anime NYC (Anime Convention), COBU (Drum), Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir, International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan, The Japanese Folk Dance of NY,Katsura Sunshine (Rakugo Comedian), Midori & Friends (Music Education Group), Soh Daiko (Drum), TATE Hatoryu NY (Sword Fighting), Yosakoi Dance Project 10tecomai, Young People’s Chorus of NYC, and many more.”