SAPPORO - Shonosuke, a 28-year-old rapper from Sapporo, once spent his teenage years in constant fights, arrests, and turmoil. Raised in a single-parent household, his playground was the nightlife district of Susukino, where he ran away from home, dropped out of high school, and was arrested several times for soliciting customers.
The daily chaos left physical and emotional scars, and his memories of that time include constant swelling on his face from regular brawls.
His life took a dramatic turn in his twenties when he encountered Hiroyuki Suzuki, a former gangster who had become a Christian pastor. Suzuki had entered the world of organized crime at the age of 17 and served two prison terms for assault and other offenses. After being released from prison and hitting rock bottom, he sought refuge in a church and eventually embraced Christianity. He went on to found the Shiloam Christian Church in Susukino, which has served as a sanctuary for troubled individuals since its establishment 11 years ago.
Shonosuke first visited the church out of desperation. During a service, he found himself in tears, overwhelmed by the emotional weight he had been carrying. Pastor Suzuki recognized the moment as a critical turning point and reached out to him with compassion and understanding. Shonosuke later described how Suzuki's words stripped away the psychological armor he had built around himself. "He said, 'I understand what you're going through,' and for the first time, I felt truly seen," Shonosuke recalled. Suzuki urged him to accept his vulnerability, saying, "Even your flaws, even your weakness—God still loves you. Admit that you’re weak, and open your heart."
Today, Shonosuke works at a property management company in Susukino, handling tenant coordination and building repairs. He has gained a reputation for being sincere and energetic, balancing his job with his passion for music and faith. On Sunday evenings, he returns to the church where he once sought healing, now helping others find hope. His transformation has been significant, not just in his actions but in his mindset. Where he once dismissed the idea of patience, he now makes a conscious effort to listen to others without judgment and to empathize with their struggles.
Through gospel-inspired rap, Shonosuke delivers messages of resilience, forgiveness, and love. His lyrics often reflect the emotional journey he has taken—from anger and isolation to faith and acceptance. He wants people to know that no matter how lost they feel, there is always a path forward. "Even someone like me is okay," he said. "There’s always a way out. Don’t give up."
In his music, the theme of redemption is central. One of his songs proclaims, "Even when you're lost or hate yourself, you were born to be loved." For Shonosuke, those words are more than lyrics—they are a testimony to the life he reclaimed, and the hope he now extends to others walking similar paths.
Source: HBCニュース 北海道放送
