‘Extraordinary’ and ‘Unique’: Shen Yun Performance Leaves Deep Impression on Tokyo Audience

February 2, 2024

Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage of Bunkyo Civic Hall in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 29 and 30, captivating audiences with Classical Chinese dance and music.

“It is a unique Chinese dance that is different from the West and Japan. The jump height is very high, and the dancers’ gentle and graceful movements left a deep impression on me,” said Kotaro Nishihori, who is the chairman of Hiyoshiya Craft Lab.

“This is the first time I have seen a stage that perfectly integrates the backdrop and the performance. Every program is beautiful. The colors, stage depth, and visual effects are gorgeous,” said Masaki Yukiuchi, who is an executive of TOWA.

“The moment the dancers appeared, they danced like butterflies, which shocked me. With such extraordinary skills they completed it with ease, which is really amazing,” said Yukari Hiratani, an odontologist.

“The balance between the performance and the backdrop complements each other. I have never seen such an image. Every program is so exciting, I feel like it comes from a different world,” said Morio Fukasawa, who is the chairman of Medical Welfare Company.

Shen Yun’s live orchestra combines both Chinese and Western instruments. Theatergoers found themselves deeply touched by Shen Yun’s music.

“I sat in front and felt the air vibrating. I liked this feeling very much. I like the erhu very much, I thought it was very good. After listening to it, I felt more gentle and wanted to cry. I like it very much,” said Yoshiaki Suzuki, who is an executive at METAWATER.

“It was wonderful. The singers’ voices resounded throughout the concert hall even without using a microphone, which is amazing. I sat right in front of the stage and could feel the powerful energy field,” said Daisuke Hayashi, who is the chairman of real estate company IMAX.

“I felt the energy. There is a saying in China that music is a kind of medicine. I suddenly realized that and became really moved by it deep in my heart,” said Ms. Hiratani.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture—from before communism.

“I really felt their unwavering commitment to their beliefs. I could also feel the artists’ continuous improvement, and the Japanese audience who came to watch the performance could also resonate with it,” said Atsushi Iwabuchi, who is a physician.

“Especially in Japanese society, Chinese traditional culture is believed to have a profound impact on Japanese spiritual culture. One is ‘integrity,’ the other is ‘endurance,’ and the element of ‘kindness’ is also included. I think these values ​​​​affect us to a great extent,” said ​​Naotaka Hashioka, who is a doctor.

“Chinese culture has been destroyed and disappeared, and Shen Yun is reviving it. I hope Shen Yun can continue,” said Yoshika Komori, who is the chairman of KSO.

“In my 39 years of life I have never seen such a performance. It is really wonderful. I must watch it again, I can’t get enough of it. I am very moved,” said Uei Takahashi, who is a consultant for KOC Japan, Inc.

Shen Yun Performing Arts will be performing at Kamakura Performing Arts Center in Kamakura on Feb. 2 and 3.

NTD News, Tokyo, Japan