The Chiba Sunhak Choir, composed of 131 students, wowed their audience at the Youth Concert in Tokyo.
Senior Pastor of Lovin’ Life Ministries Rev. In Jin Moon made a courtesy visit to Japan from June 7-11, 2012 to share the vision of LLM and to attend two Youth Concerts for World Peace and Ideal Families, one in Tokyo at the Nippon Seinenkan Hotel on June 8, 2012 and the other in Fukuoka at the Munakata Yurix Center on June 10, 2012. Rev. Moon founded the Youth Concerts in 2000 to raise money for academic-, sports- and performing arts scholarships for deserving students, and has since been visiting Japan to support this annual celebration of the performing arts.
Three of the four candidates for the "Art Scholarship for Elementary Students" performed classical piano, ballet and baton twirling (pictured above, respectively) at the Tokyo Youth Concert.
The Youth Concerts, which drew a crowd of 1,200 in Tokyo and 1,600 in Fukuoka, included of performances from young Unificationists in various art forms such as modern dance, ballet, baton twirling, classical-music performances and music medleys by choirs, some of which assembled more than 100 youth. Both Youth Concerts featured several original songs by Sonic Cult, an awards ceremony for scholarship winners, congratulatory remarks from Rev. In Jin Moon and ended with cheers of Og Mansei. An autograph- and photo session with Rev. Moon and the members of Sonic Cult followed.
Photo Left: Rev. In Jin Moon, Rev. Young Seop Song and members of Sonic Cult greet fellow Unificationists during an autograph session after the Tokyo Youth Concert.
Photo Right: More than 1,200 attended the Youth Concert for World Peace and Ideal Families in Tokyo.
Ben Lorentzen, lead singer for Sonic Cult, said: “The feedback from the kids in Tokyo was just electric. We were told by the staff [of the Nippon Seinenkan Hotel] that we were not allowed to ask our audience to stand during our performance because of fire regulations. But by the third song, the kids stood up anyway and started rushing to the stage. They felt the energy, and they wanted to express it. From the feedback I got from people in the crowd, when we played songs such as “Great Escape” or “You Own the Game,” songs that are about believing in yourself, about daring to reach for a dream, the music had a visible impact on the kids.
Despite a request to stay in their seats, the audience couldn't help but rise to their feet during Sonic Cult's rousing performance at the Nippon Seinenkan Hotel.
“Some Blessed Children in Japan said they get bullied in school for being Unificationists and that teachers single them out because of their identity as followers of True Father. They deal with oppression and opposition, and so, coming to a concert, hearing rock and roll and knowing that it’s OK to be different and to have faith in what you stand for was something they needed to hear. Seeing these kids rushing forward towards the stage and singing and shouting at the top of their lungs despite the language barrier, that was something.
“In Fukuoka, if possible, the mood was even more electric. It was as if the kids in Tokyo had called their friends in Fukuoka about us, because they were lining up in front of the stage before we even walked out, showing each other which words to use to sing along and how to wave their arms to the music. Another thing that was special was that this time around, all the older members, the parents and the grandparents, were also shouting and lifting their arms and standing. It wasn’t just a youth concert for young people – it was for all generations, and that was great. We had a meet-and-greet after the concert, and we were able to feel the affect the concert had had on the kids as well as the adults. It was a mind-blowingly great experience.”
In addition to attending the youth concerts, Rev. In Jin Moon gathered with 350 Unificationists for a luncheon and a student assembly on June 7, 2012 at the One Heart Special Education Center in Urayasu, a city in the Chiba Prefecture next to Tokyo.
Kevin Yoon, executive assistant to Rev. Moon, delivered a report on the developments of the Unification Church in the United States, emphasizing Rev. Moon’s efforts to provide better education for young Unificationists and to grow the church through LLM. Yoon addressed the five spiritual practices of LLM – Inspire, Empower, Connect, Contribute and Inherit – and provided details about LLM’s premier character-education program for youth, Generation Peace Academy (GPA), formerly known as the Special Task Force (STF).
Rev. In Jin Moon accepted flowers from the members, who offered a prayer and a series of songs, one of which was a rendition of the Korean song, “Arirang,” with African drums and dancing. Japanese National Leader Rev. Young Seop Song then gave salutary remarks and welcomed Rev. In Jin Moon to speak.
Messages from Rev. In Jin Moon
Rev. Moon began by explaining the importance of the Youth Concerts for World Peace and Ideal Families. She said that many investments were made into the arts during the pioneering stage of the Unification Movement in the United States, and continued investment in those areas are necessary. She emphasized the need for members to be proud of their identities as Unificationists, and how they must realize their true potential. The pursuit of excellence, particularly in the arts, would help make the Unification Church more dynamic and exciting.
Rev. Moon also said that her father, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, conveyed that the Japanese brothers and sisters were second to none in their dedication to their lives of faith. Japan, as the “Mother Nation,” has been financially supporting the Unification Churches all around the world, and now it is time for the United States, as the “Elder-Son Nation” to give back to Japan and care for the Blessed families there.
Photo Left: Rev. In Jin Moon listened to every person in the audience as he/she share his/her dreams and thoughts on what was needed to improve the church.
Photo Right: Rev. In Jin Moon addressed more than 350 Japanese Unificationists during a student and youth assembly at the One Heart Special Education Center in Urayasu.
One topic of interest was the ballroom-dance ministry, which was launched by Rev. Moon in 2009 with the vision to restore the original culture that God had intended for Adam and Eve by facilitating healthy interaction between men and women. Some of the Japanese members shared how they were deeply surprised about this initiative, to which Rev. Moon replied that she had chosen ballroom dancing as a means to develop good relationships with the opposite sex because it addresses both external practices, such as body control and posture, and internal practices, such as developing the respectful and disciplined mannerisms of a lady and a gentleman. She explained that many of the second-generation in the United States were facing a difficult double life, caught between strict parents and an over-sexualized culture at school or in other social circles. Rather than segregating boys from girls, she said she responded to this situation by introducing ballroom dancing to help foster respectful interactions between men and women of all ages. According to the participants at the luncheon, they came to understand the importance of the ballroom-dance ministry despite their initial misgivings. Rev. Moon also spoke about the rebranding of the Unification Church initiated in the United States through LLM, a contemporary music ministry that is aimed at youth around the nation.
She then asked each of the participants to share his or her dreams and thoughts on what he/she thought was needed to improve the church. Over the next several hours, Rev. Moon listened to the comments of each member in the audience and responded to ideas that were shared from Japanese Unificationists of all ages. The day of fellowship was concluded with a picture session.
Feedback from Participants at the Student and Youth Assembly
The following are testimonies from second-generation Unificationists in Japan who attended the Student and Youth Assembly at the One Heart Special Education Center.
Seiko N., a third-year university student: “I learned that various activities, such as the Generation Peace Academy program, Sunday services in the Manhattan Center, music and ballroom dancing are being developed by Rev. In Jin Moon in the USA. I feel that these initiatives are full of passion, dreams and hope. This is just what we need in the coming era of Cheon Il Guk! I could sense that Rev. In Jin Moon dearly wants second-generation Unificationists to inherit the traditions and beliefs of the first-generation, who have devoted themselves entirely to True Parents with love and sincere hearts, and to have a great impact within their communities.
“I learned that Rev. In Jin Moon was put in a lonely position as a female leader. I feel that she wants us to become leaders like True Mother and to work together with her. I was inspired by her powerful beliefs. Her words encouraging us to pursue our dreams and to have hope inspired me. When she said that we should live joyfully, I felt spiritually lighter.
“Rev. In Jin Moon heard each of us speak, prepared food for us and shook hands with us. I was so grateful for her love and warm attention. I pledge to dedicate my full efforts to unite with True Children in testify about the magnificence of True Parents!”
Monika N., a junior in high school: “I sat in the second row from the front, and I felt that I met Rev. In Jin Moon’s gaze at times during her speech. I think she even gave me a smile. She asked each of us about our dreams. I felt as if she were talking to me the entire time even though her message wasn’t just for me. I felt dear to her. I have never felt such a joy as this. Until now, I thought I couldn’t work publicly or contribute to True Parents and True Family so much because I was unqualified. Rev. In Jin Moon brought me such relief. She gave me comfort through her talk. I was reminded that I have value that is bestowed upon me by God, not by myself or others. I feel liberated, as if something that has been blocking my heart has been removed.
“Today’s assembly also helped me develop a deeper love for music. I want to express gratitude to my parents and other first-generation. I want to inherit their foundation and build upon it a building so high that it could reach space.
“When I shook hands with Rev. In Jin Moon, I told her that I was named after her. Rev. In Jin Moon gazed at me for a while and then said, ‘Study hard.’ She must have recognized my want of knowledge. I was very happy. If I have a chance to see and talk with her again, I want to express my love for her.
“I commit myself to study hard for Rev. In Jin Moon. Today was very important day for me.”
Eika T., a third-year high-school student: “I was so moved to hear Rev. In Jin Moon’s speech directly. She told us that she felt hope for the second-generation and wanted to work with us. I felt that she loves us very much. I learned from videos and pictures that Lovin’-Life Sunday services in the USA include ballroom dancing and music bands. That was shocking for me, but I understand that it is important to take pride in True Parents and the Unification Church.
“Until now, I haven’t really understood the first-generation, who have followed True Father and made a firm foundation during the year of wilderness. I haven’t expressed my appreciation to them even though they gave everything to us second-generation. I haven’t endured what they have endured, and as a result of that, sometimes I felt less connected with God. Now, I will strive to pass on what I can inherit from the first-generation to future generations through sincere prayer. I appreciate today’s assembly from the bottom of my heart.”
Rie K., a junior in high school: “Rev. In Jin Moon asked each of us about what our dreams are. It is amazing to me that a True Child wants to know about our dreams. It was a pity that I couldn’t tell Rev. In Jin Moon about my dreams because I had to come back home in the middle of the assembly. But when the opportunity arises, I want to give hope to God and Rev. In Jin Moon. I also felt that that I should strengthen my relationships with my family members.
“I will think of what my mission is in Japan, which is the “Mother Nation.” I have many things to think about – church, school and community. I want to become a good leader and change the image of Unification Church. To do that, I have to study hard. I really feel love from True Children. I don’t want to disappoint God and True Family, who expect so much of Japan. Thank you very much.”
Contributed by Ariana Moon
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