HISTORY

The introduction of musicals like "Mama I Want to Sing" and movies like "Sister Act 2" to Japan, whose christian population is less than 2%, sparked a movement in the 90's that continues to grow. Often initial interest in gospel is based more on singing gospel songs in English than on a pursuit of Christian faith. Therefore, when Rev. Yasushi Hata who was the KGK (Students for Christ Organization) Hokkaido Director at that time, saw that gospel music was beginning to take off, he began to pray, asking that "…it would be possible to have a real gospel choir in Hokkaido to sing gospel not merely as a form of music, but revealing the true nature of gospel music as based on the message of God's love…".

While Rev. Hata's vision for a gospel choir was brewing he met Ron Rucker a professional gospel singer and choir director who resides in Tokyo. Rucker is also the Japan Chapter representative for GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America). In February of 1998, Hata invited Rucker to lead a gospel workshop in Sapporo. By popular demand he was invited back to lead a 2nd workshop in May that year. At this workshop many attendees expressed great excitement saying, "let's not let this just end, let's start a real gospel choir!" Under the leadership of Rev. Hata in July of 1998, the community choir One Voice in Christ (OViC) was born.

Members are not chosen by audition. Instead membership is open to people from different walks of life who want to sing gospel. Presently there are about 90 members in the group. OViC is not concerned with just the technique of singing gospel but also during each pracitice Rev. Hata shares the meaning behind the music and a relevant message from the bible. OViC performs throughout Hokkaido for audiences large and small including their well known Christmas concert in Sapporo which draws an audience of well over 1500.

In addition, Gospel Planning Ministries (GPM), directed by Hata, hosted various gospel events and workshops throughout the year. The Fairfield Four (a traditional gospel group), Limit X (a gospel group that formed in Uganda), Montrel Darrett, Nashon Fondren, the Jubilation Choir and the Provenance have all brought their gifts and talents to Sapporo. The exchange of talent from inside and outside of Japan, has given OViC and countless others in Hokkaido the opportunity to experience real gospel music.

Ron Rucker often offers the reminder that "everything that OViC requires will come from God." At first OViC relied heavily on him and frequently asking him to come from Tokyo to lead the choir. Ultimately, he urged them that, "it is not necessary to depend on the leadership of an African American, rather, it is important for Japanese by their own strength, to sing gospel and share the richness and meaning of gospel to those who consider it merely a trend. Furthermore, I encourage independence and the spreading of gospel choirs throughout Japan."

OViC has become a solid and vital gospel choir under the leadership and spiritual guidance of a committed team. Rev. Hata and the musical and choir director Sayo Oyama, with Atsushi Oyama,  Satoko Suzuki, Yuki Takagaki, Meg Kaneko and Mari Tanaka lend their ears to hear God's message, praise God in all things, confess to others of their salvation through Jesus Christ, and share through song the need to follow God. Although gospel music is relatively new to Japan and choir members may be at different places on their spiritual journey, many feel a deep sense of thankfulness for the opportunity to experience God's love in a powerful way. 2004-2005 held many interesting opportunities for the choir, including touring in New Jersey and producing their own CD. OViC is composed of all types of people varying in age, occupation, religion, personality, motivation for singing gospel, and church affiliation. In the midst of that diversity one thing is abundantly clear. They are all united by their fervent desire to sing as "One Voice in Christ." (Photo is OViC’s Live in 2010 w/ Prof. Iris Stevenson for the Crenshaw High School in LA, USA.)