The Hokkaido Festival of Hope kicked off May 9 in Sapporo, Japan. Japanese artist Masahiro Nitta got the crowd fired up with his shamisen.
Franklin Graham preached the Gospel message. "God loves Japan ... and He loves you," he told the crowd at Hokkai Kita-Yell, a sports arena in Sapporo.
The man on the left was one of many Japanese people who responded to the Gospel by coming forward.
The May 9-11 Festival will feature a children's event Saturday afternoon.
Swedish singer Lena Maria shared her voice and her unwavering faith in the Lord. She has no arms but says she has joy because of the love of Jesus.
A woman worships God during the Festival.
The talented, high-energy Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers had people on their feet praising God.
A 500-voice Japanese choir joined the Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers.
Fast-picking guitarist Dennis Agajanian was a big hit with the crowd as he played his versions of songs like "Hallelujah Chorus."
The Tommy Coomes Band came from California to lead worship at the Festival.
A woman counsels a girl who came forward during the invitation to accept Christ.
Two women pray together after Franklin Graham gave an invitation to accept Christ.
A Japanese believer counsels a boy who came forward during the Gospel invitation.
Two women pray together after the younger of the two responded to the powerful Gospel message. The Festival will continue Saturday and Sunday and will be streamed online at 9 p.m. ET each night at http://billygraham.org/Japan.
