At McDonald’s GospelFest 2025, one of the largest and most prestigious gospel competitions in the United States, the Sakura Japanese Choir—featuring members of the Hikari Project—achieved a remarkable victory by winning first place in the choir category.

Held at a renowned venue near Times Square in New York City, the event brought together top gospel choirs from across the country. Amidst this fierce competition, a predominantly Japanese choir claimed the top honor—an unprecedented and historic accomplishment.
Led by acclaimed vocalist TiA, the group captivated both the audience and the media, receiving widespread praise and extensive media coverage for their powerful and heartfelt performance.
