HIROSHIMA, Japan—On Feb. 15, Divine Performing Arts (DPA) International Company’s performance at the ALSOK Concert Hall in Hiroshima delighted Mr. Nozaka, a judo master over eighty years old.
“This is too astounding for the heart. I will go to Osaka and watch it again. I want to experience this stirring inside me again.”
Mr. Nozaka practices martial arts including judo and kendo. He has traveled to many countries, including China and Nepal.
“Nowadays martial arts only have the form left. In the ancient times, martial artists sought to cultivate very seriously. In order to obtain the essence of Tao, they would go into the mountains or Buddhist temples to cultivate.
“Hiroshima, ever since it was devastated by the atomic bombs, has always been pursuing peace and prosperity. It is very valuable for DPA to convey to mankind the Chinese culture that was nurtured by cultivation and searching for the Tao. If the world’s people can understand this, then we can maintain world peace. I hope DPA can shine all over the world.”
Mr. Nozaka is a famous figure in the judo community. He serves as the guest judge of the Japanese Judo Union and owns a judo dojo where he teaches students.
“Initially, I just thought that the dances were very beautiful, but gradually I started to understand that these are not ordinary dances. These dances are displaying respect for gods and Buddhas from the heart. I can deeply sense this.
“All performers worked as one body. They were very focused as well. To reach such a level, as far as I know, requires a lot of hard training. If they don’t work together, they cannot reach such a level. If the dancers did not possess the same wish as the choreographers, they wouldn’t have done such a great job.”
He had worked in China for more than a decade. And, wanting to reminisce a bit, he came to watch the show. Yet the performance exceeded his expectations.
“What’s the greatest is that they are dancing with reverence towards gods. In ordinary dance, it is easy to predict what step is coming up next once it’s started. Yet these dancers have a belief in gods and Buddhas. The more I see it, the deeper content there is.”
Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.
