May J. Seranades Ojika to Celebrate Nozaki's UNESCO title

Thanks to Ameblo.jp for the photo above!

May J. came to perform in Ojika, a small island in Nagasaki, to celebrate the recent UNESCO title of Nozaki Island. Nozaki Island's Nokubi church, a renovated version of the original church which was a solace for vilified Christians who took refuge in the insolated island to practice their faith, has now got a much deserved spot with UNESCO. 

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, selects these locations based on criteria of historical and natural significance. Nozaki Island and Nokubi church certainly fits the ideals of outstanding universal value. In addition, the title will allow more people worldwide to discover Ojika and Nozaki, which will help infuse more life into these beautiful places. 

Before May J. took the stage, a line of local Ojika children held lights and walked up in a line to welcome her. One young girl got the special part in the show of ringing a large bell set piece that had been set up to the right of the stage. Then, a short film of beautiful locations in Ojika was projected onto the ceiling and set to music, showing many locals the true beauty of the place they call home.

Then, May J. took the stage in a beautiful and sparkling dress. The expertly decorated set was revealed, which featured a replica of the interior of Nokibi church - complete with the intricate pillars, and colorful stain glass windows, with a bright cross lit up in changing lights as a centrepiece.



May J. is a popular singer in Japan, born to an Iranian mother and Japanese father. In recent years, she's known as the singer who sang the Japanese version of Frozen, and became the voice of Elsa. So, the audience (especially the children) was thrilled when she belted out the familar song, 'Let it Go,' She also sang a mixture of Japanese and English songs, many from popular musical films such as The Greatest Showman and La La Land. 

Thanks to Ameblo.jp for the photo above!

All of the audience members were given a high-tech bracelet to wear which allowed the crowd to become part of the show. The bracelets would change colors and emit glowing lights that would add a eerie and gorgeous ambiance to the auditorium, sometimes with a soft blue hue or during more upbeat songs, flashing neon colors. It was fun to experience these bracelets, and we were encouraged to wave them around to cheer on May as she sang.

After May finished her show exited the stage, the crowd shouted, "May J! May J!" and "One more song!" so she obliged, and returned to happily add another song to her set. This song, a fitting finale, was the Japanese version of 'Let it Go,' and created an fantastic ending to an entertaining evening.