Shen Yun took Japanese audiences on a journey through 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. The innovative backdrop works in tandem with dancers, to give the audience a more immersive experience—and deeper understanding of the stories being told.
Yukihisa Oikawa is a well-known international political commentator and writer in Japan. He said “It feels like I have experienced thousands of years of history in a short period of time. In a word, I think Shen Yun has shown the beauty of China in various forms.”
“Everyone is very good. The actors and the backdrop work very well together, which is very impressive. The orchestra is also great, they are equally good as the dancers. The erhu is also very beautiful.” said Kunio Iguchi, management director of sports and cultural facilities.
“The costumes, colors, and designs are all very exquisite. The dance is full of dynamics. I can see the performers have been trained hard,” said Jun Nomoto, an electronic equipment company executive.
Shen Yun showcases classical Chinese dance—an art form that dates back thousands of years. Rich with culture and history, it’s one of the world’s most comprehensive dance systems.
Company Chairman Shoichi Murata said: “It’s so wonderful and unparalleled. The water sleeves sometimes are unfolded and sometimes are folded, and the dancers’ movements are completely consistent, which is very exciting. The height of the jumps is also extraordinary, which is really amazing.”
Kaori Takahashi is a principal of a ballet school and former professional ballet dancer. Ms. Takahashi complimented Shen Yun’s dancers on their graceful and athletic ability.
“Every movement has been honed for excellence. I know that every dancer is very highly skilled. When they perform together, their superb skills are more obvious. For example, the difficulty of the movements, the height of the jumps, how they don’t make any sound when they land, and the softness of the body, everything was amazing. I felt [their energy], a powerful energy and heat, and I felt the resonance in my body and mind,” she said.
Audience members say they were captivated by Shen Yun’s live orchestra—and other musical performances like the Chinese instrument erhu and Bel Canto-style opera.
“Chinese and Western instruments are perfectly integrated. I’m so happy. I can enjoy the live performance up close and watch the show at the same time. The power of the live orchestra is really great,” said Hiroshi Watanabe, a consultant for a music company.
Shigeki Sakuma, president of a technology development company, said: “It’s wonderful. The music is pleasant to the ears, the singer is superb, and the piano accompaniment is also excellent. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. It’s an indescribable feeling that still moves me.”
Shen Yun hopes to relay the true Chinese culture—from before communism took over China. The regime has sought to destroy faith, spirituality, and tradition.
Temple Abbot Ehide Hatani said: “Shen Yun brings peace, brings joy to everyone, and makes us feel blessed. It also depicts [issues] such as the deprivation of people’s freedom by force.”
“It’s like the feeling of visiting a shrine during the New Year. Japan also has deities. [After watching Shen Yun] it’s like the beautiful mood you experience after visiting a shrine,” said Minio Taniguchi, director of the Bone-Setting Institute.
Masaki Takahashi is the vice president of a U.S. multinational commercial enterprise. He said: “[Shen Yun] shares traditional culture with everyone without racial prejudice or other factors, and lets everyone enjoy it. That’s what I felt.”
Shen Yun just finished its 6 performances in Kyoto and Tokyo—and it will be touring Japan until mid-February.
