Radio Nippon's new gospel show, which started broadcasting Feb. 4, is the first time a major radio broadcaster in Japan has aired a prime time weekly show devoted solely to gospel.
The curiously titled "Gospel Radio Revorevolution" airs 9:30 p.m.-10 p.m. every Saturday on Radio Nippon, MW 1422 kHz. Despite its name, Radio Nippon broadcasts only to the Tokyo area.
Akira Momoi and Yoshitaka Ikarashi host the new show, playing gospel from abroad and by Japanese artists.
Ikarashi said that there is no great underlying concept to "Gospel Radio Revorevolution." Rather, the show simply aims to highlight how pervasive gospel music has become.
Different types of gospel music can be heard today in fields as disparate as hip-hop, rock, classical music and enka, Ikarashi and Momoi said, making the show very timely.
Although the message in gospel songs are inspired by biblical themes, this radio show is not particularly aimed at Christians. Anyone can tune in and enjoy the music -- requests from listeners are welcomed.
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