Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya form a Japanese Christian gospel duo, married since 2008. Miwa led the choir of an African American church in Japan before passing on this African American gospel heritage to Japanese congregations, while Tatsuya composes songs born out of his devotional times.
Tatsuya Shioya, a graduate of International Christian University (ICU) who trained for a time in New York, composes songs from his morning devotional moments, which he calls his shabbat time with God. Miwa Shioya led the choir of an African American church serving a US military base in Japan, before becoming one of the few Japanese women passing on the spirit of Black gospel to congregations in her country.
Married in 2008, they have since formed a worship duo recognized throughout Japan, where they lead gospel choirs, run workshops, and perform in concert. Both now serve in ministry at Paz Church, and Miwa also leads the Ikego Gospel initiative. Their first joint album, You Set Me Free, released in 2014, followed by several solo and collaborative projects up through Free Bird in 2022.
- Origin
- Japan
- Style
- Gospel
- Active since
- 2008 as a duo, first joint album in 2014
- Good to know
- Miwa Shioya led the choir of an African American church serving a US military base in Japan
- Discography
- Several albums and EPs since 2009, including You Set Me Free (2014) and Free Bird (2022)
How did Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya get started?
Tatsuya discovered singing as an expression of his faith during his studies, between International Christian University and a stay in New York, where he drew part of his musical inspiration. Miwa, for her part, learned gospel through direct contact with an African American church located near a US military base in Japan, a rare experience that lastingly shaped her style and her calling as a choir director.
What makes the duo unique?
Few Japanese musicians can say they learned gospel directly from an African American congregation. That is exactly the case for Miwa Shioya, now recognized as one of the few people passing on this musical heritage in Japan. The duo blends this Black gospel tradition with Tatsuya's more intimate, acoustic sensibility, as a songwriter whose songs are born out of his personal prayer times.
Where should you start with Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya?
Start with Isaiah 61, an original song inspired by chapter 61 of the prophet Isaiah, then listen to Ai wo Tsutaeyou (Let's Spread Love), their most-viewed video. Finish with their cover of Hillsong's What The Lord Has Done In Me, which shows the duo's connection to contemporary worship around the world.
songs
イザヤ61 (Isaiah 61)
An original song inspired by chapter 61 of the book of Isaiah, about the restoration God promises.
愛を伝えよう (Ai wo tsutaeyou, transmettons l'amour)
The most-viewed video on their channel, a call to spread God's love to those around you.
What The Lord Has Done In Me (reprise de Hillsong)
A cover of the Australian worship song by Hillsong, performed by Tatsuya Shioya.
Discography
- 2022Free Bird· Miwa Shioya's solo album
- 2022Deep Sea ~海よりも深く~· EP with pianist Jun Sasaki
- 2021The Hand of the Potter· with jazz pianist Michiru Hirose
- 2020Know That the Lord Is God / 生きよ~LIVE~
- 2014You Set Me Free· the duo's first album
- 2009みんなで歌える「主の祈り」· an arrangement of the Lord's Prayer designed to be sung together as a congregation
Read also
Frequently asked questions
Who are Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya?
Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya form a Japanese Christian gospel duo, married since 2008. Tatsuya composes songs born out of his personal devotion, while Miwa learned gospel directly from an African American church in Japan.
Do Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya sing in Japanese?
Yes, most of their songs are in Japanese, but the duo also performs covers in English, such as Hillsong's What The Lord Has Done In Me.
What is the duo's best-known song?
Ai wo Tsutaeyou (Let's Spread Love) is the most-viewed video on their official YouTube channel.
Where can you listen to Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya?
Their albums and songs are available on their official YouTube channel and through their Salt Valley website, which also lists their concerts and choir workshops.
What is Ikego Gospel?
It is an initiative led by Miwa Shioya, gathering and training gospel singers in the Ikego area of Japan, building on her experience as a choir director.
Since when have Tatsuya and Miwa Shioya been a duo?
They married in 2008 and released their first joint album, You Set Me Free, in 2014, before going on to release several solo projects and collaborations up to today.