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Preview: Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir at Japan Parade 2023

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Watch NYC’s Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir sing a special English & Japanese rendition of “Hallelujah” and “Unity” at a Japan Parade 2023 preview event. Performers featured include Choir Organizer, Kimiko Matsuo and Music Director, Minister Melody Moore.

Live in NYC? You can see the Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir perform live at Japan Parade on Saturday, May 13 from 1:00 – 3:30 pm ET.

The parade’s route will be taking place on Central Park West from 81st Street to 67th Street. (Heading south towards 67th Street.)

Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir performing at Japan Parade 2023 Press Preview Event in NYC. Featuring Choir Organizer Kimiko Matsuo and Music Director, Minister Melody Moore. Photo Credit: Nir Regev – The Natural Aristocrat®

The opening ceremony will commence this Saturday at 12:30 pm ET. The parade will then officially begin its float route at 1:00 pm ET.

Olympic Champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi will serve as the parade’s 2nd ever Grand Marshal, following George Takei.

You can also watch this Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir performance on YouTube. Be sure to comment and let your voice be heard!


About Choir Organizer : sis. Kimiko Matsuo

Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir performing at Japan Parade 2023 Press Preview Event in NYC. Featuring Choir Organizer Kimiko Matsuo and Music Director, Minister Melody Moore. Photo Credit: Nir Regev – The Natural Aristocrat®

“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.”

– You can get in contact with Kimiko Matsuo at her official website, Kimiko Harlem.

About Music Director, Minister Melody Moore

Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir performing at Japan Parade 2023 Press Preview Event in NYC. Featuring Choir Organizer Kimiko Matsuo and Music Director, Minister Melody Moore. Photo Credit: Nir Regev – The Natural Aristocrat®

“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.”

– Learn more at the official website for the “Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir”.

About Japan Parade:

Japan Parade New York City Logo Art. Credit: Provided by Japan Parade NYC.

“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.”

More Japan Parade NYC Exclusive Videos & Interviews

Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir performing at Japan Parade 2023 Press Preview Event in NYC. Featuring Choir Organizer Kimiko Matsuo and Music Director, Minister Melody Moore. Photo Credit: Nir Regev – The Natural Aristocrat®

Be sure to read and watch:

Ambassador Mikio Mori Interview: Japan Parade 2023 in NYC (Video)

Executive Producer Kumiko Yoshii Interview: Japan Parade 2023 in NYC (Video)

New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda talks Japan Parade 2023 (Video)

George Takei Interview: First Japan Parade NYC Grand Marshal

Visit the NYC Local News section for exclusive event coverage, including photos & videos on the scene, interviews, and much more!

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