The tenth Youth Concert for World Peace and Ideal Families, an annual concert started in April 2001 by Rev. In Jin Moon (president and CEO of the Unification Church in America), was held this year. In 2001, it was only a small group of people that made up the choirs which participated in the youth concerts, but this year over 1,500 people from 30 schools participated.

On April 29, the Fukuoka Sun Hak Choir participated at the talent competition during the Luncheon Celebrating True Parents’ 50th (Golden) Wedding Anniversary, touching hearts with songs prepared with much heart and devotion. True Parents were so happy that they gave the prize money directly and took pictures with the choir. This was a great and amazing result borne from the seeds In Jin Nim planted ten years ago.

The first Youth Concert for World Peace and Ideal Families was held ten years ago in 2000 when Rexton, Rev. In Jin Moon’s second son, won first prize at a major piano competition and was invited to perform worldwide. After he finished performing with the Tokyo Opera City Symphony, he and his sister Ariana held a separate performance for second-generation Unificationists, who were inspired through their performances to aspire toward musical excellence. Many second-generation around the country of Japan participated in choir activities which would culminate in the annual concerts. These choirs received the title Sun Hak from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Rev. In Jin Moon’s mother, in 2006.

Members of the Sun Hak Choirs have also been involved in service work, such as performing for underprivileged senior citizens, and have performed at the Peru embassy and in Disneyland. One choir member was accepted into Tokyo Arts College and won first place at a national music competition.

In 2008, Rev. In Jin Moon decided to look for and support talented artists in elementary school, so she created an art scholarship fund. She raised funds by selling music CDs she had produced. While fundraising in four different locations, Rev. In Jin Moon shook hands with members and signed CDs for them. All profits were donated to the scholarship fund.

In 2009, Rev. In Jin Moon came to Japan even though she was busy as president of the American church. She presided over the concert and scholarship conferment ceremony in person and gave a loving speech to members of the Heavenly Treasure Assembly (parents of children with disabilities).

In 2010, Rev. In Jin Moon came with the Lovin’ Life band and gave new life to youth. Ten artists were chosen out of an initial fifty and given an opportunity to play for Rev. In Jin Moon. Out of the ten, four were given scholarships and awards by her. She explained that the Divine Principle cannot merely be known intellectually, but it must be felt in the heart. She added that art is important because God can be felt and expressed through music.

Written by Midori Takeyasu