Shen Yun Performing Arts has been delighting Japanese audiences since 2007, with its stunning portrayal of traditional Chinese culture. As the company prepares to launch its 2025 global tour, two Japanese dignitaries share their reflections on the show and what makes it so impactful.
Hirosato Nakatsugawa is a former member of the Japanese Parliament and has watched the show many times.
“The performance is truly outstanding from an artistic perspective. An artist who joined me to watch the show commented that the level of the performance was really high. Through this art, I understood what [the performers] you are striving for,” he told NTD.
Hiroaki Maruyama, a city councilor of Zushi, Japan, told NTD he watched the show four times. “What impressed me most was the beauty, as well as the performers’ high level of physical ability,” he said. “It was incredibly moving for those watching.”
Both dignitaries shared their deep appreciation for Shen Yun’s revival of traditional culture.
Maruyama said: “The costumes too, were traditional costumes. Vibrant and beautiful, and I thought, ‘ah, this is what people in the past must have worn’. That left a lasting impression on me. Also, the music—it’s an orchestra, right? It was like opera, and I thought that was marvelous. There were solo vocal and instrumental performances as well. It’s truly a comprehensive art form.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company, with a mission to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and tradition from before communism.
Nakatsugawa believes the performance is not only a visual feast but also an artistic expression of the Chinese people’s longing to return to their traditions.
“China has gone through numerous changes in its government, and went through many difficult times, right? So, through that long history, I could feel the greatness of it, and I also felt that the people were seeking something. That sense is reflected in the performance. I could really feel the deep desire from the hearts of the Chinese people to change the nation. It was something I naturally sensed. It’s truly remarkable,” he said.
Maruyama echoed the sentiment: “Culture is not a necessity for basic survival. At a minimum, we need to live. But if we want to live better, culture, especially the arts, become extremely important. I hope the [Chinese Communist] regime will not hinder the revival of that. I believe revival is something very meaningful, and in terms of reviving humanity’s heritage, it has great significance.”
Kicking off in Nagoya, Shen Yun’s 2025 tour in Japan will feature 42 performances in eight cities, from Dec. 23, 2024 to Feb. 9, 2025. Councilor Maruyama and former Parliament member Nakatsugawa both expressed their support for the upcoming performances and urged more people to attend the show.
“Out of the four times I watched, I noticed that every time, something new was added. There was never the same thing twice, and I thought that was very impressive,” said Maruyama. “If there are people who haven’t seen [Shen Yun] it yet, I really hope they get to see it.”
Nakatsugawa agreed: “Many people look forward to this performance every year because it purifies the heart. The performance itself brings joy to people and touches them, and that’s why it’s held year after year. This is already an attestation to it.”
“I hope everyone can come watch the show and feel the emotion for yourself. This is real Chinese tradition, art, and culture. So please watch it and get to know the real China,” he added.
For more information and to secure your tickets, visit ShenYun.com.
