Recently, singing Gospel songs in Japan is not only for religion,
but also a cultural activity at culture schools, music schools, etc.
It means that not only Christians, but also even non-Christians love Gospel songs very much.
Probably some non Japanese might feel strange about this phenomenon.
However, we can say that it is because Gospel music is attractive and amazing.

 Yuka Kamebuchi, who is the main performer of the concert, said that
she was only 6 years old when she listened to Gospel songs for the first time.
In spite of not knowing any English, she felt something enrich her mind.
The music is so wonderful that she tried to understand the meaning with a dictionary.
Finally she could know the spiritual meaning of the lyrics.

She has been attracted to Gospel music for a very long time and keeps singing
and introducing Gospel music all over Japan.
 Yuka Kamebuchi started as a profssional singer in 1968 with CBS Sony,
and is now called "Big Mama"by gospel singers in Japan.
She not only has live concerts, but has also appeared as the main instructor
on the NHK educational TV program “ Let’s sing Gospel!”

  This is one of the most famous Gospel singers' groups in Japan. Their nick name is VOJA.
This group was organized by Yuka Kamebuchi in 1993.
They sing mainly Gospel songs with original arrangements, which always keep healing us.

She is a professional singer, a voice trainer, a music arranger, and a music writer.
She used to be a member of VOJA. She is now teaching VOJA and arranges many songs for them.
She studied music in university both in Japan and U.S.A, earning an MA at Berckeley music university.
She made remarkable achievements as a music artist in U.S.A.
After coming back to Japan, she was singing as a member of "the Voices of Japan" in live concerts, or on TV.
Recently she is working mainly as a music writer, an arranger, and a voice instructor.
Her wonderful spirit and effort gave birth to original contemporary Gospel music songs of VOJA,
such as "Thank you."

 Piazza-Arte music school is located in Tsukuba city Inarimae.
The master of the school, Mr. K Horibe is recorded as one of the
great 100 persons in the history of Tsukuba who contributes to music activities from organising many classes to big stage performances in Tsukuba.
He succeeded in organizing Symphony No.9 (Beethoven) concert at Nova Hall in January 2004.
He is a leader of the committee for “VOJA Tsukuba Concert 2004.” 
Also he is planning a big new year concert in January- an anthology of famous opera songs with a professional orchestra in Nova Hall.