FUKUOKA, Japan—On the last leg of its tour of Japan, Shen Yun Performing Arts was greeted with a demand for additional seats after tickets were sold out at the Fukuoka Sunpalace Hall.
“The performance was captivating and deeply moving,” said Mr. Matsuoka.
He shared that he was particularly struck by the scene depicting Falun Gong practitioners. The principles shared in the dance—truth, compassion, and tolerance—resonated with him.
Mr. Matsuoka expressed that the principles of Falun Gong demonstrate that “We are entering this new era, and people are awakening. I believe that the era to come will be one where everyone can live happily and fulfilled lives.”
“The traditional culture presented by Shen Yun, including the principles of Falun Gong, should be more widely disseminated to awaken more people. I think it’s more important to respect the divine and ensure everyone’s happiness,” said Mr. Matsuoka.
“It would be a good thing if people all over the world could see Shen Yun and learn from it,” said Mr. Matsuoka.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“The dancers’ movements were graceful, and their expressions were powerful. It is great to come and see the performance today. I deeply feel that they undergo extraordinary training every day,” expressed Mr. Matsuoka.
“The use of colors on the stage is rarely seen in Japan—a feast for the eyes,” said Mr. Matsuoka.
In ancient China, music was used before medicine to heal illnesses and Mr. Matsuoka felt that Shen Yun’s music was very comforting.
“I sat in the front row, immersed in the music, and my mother was also moved by the music. Music is truly like a comforting and healing medicine for the soul,” he said.
“I feel like the Creator has come to take us. After seeing Shen Yun, I have a sense of being saved. Truly, I am so fortunate, and I am very happy,” said Mr. Hara.
He shared that Shen Yun’s depiction of the divine has given him a different outlook on life and death.
“If, in the end, people are truly meant to return to the heavens as shown in Shen Yun, then death is not a frightening thing. What’s important is to harbor good intentions, to think more for others, and only by living with such a mindset can we expect good results and face the final moment without regret,” remarked Mr. Hara.
Shen Yun’s presentation of traditional Chinese culture is highly uncommon since pure Chinese culture is lost in China. Some Japanese audiences have called Shen Yun a “new genre” in performing arts.
“It was extremely impressive and deeply moving. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Although I have seen many performances, today’s performance exceeded my expectations in its perfection,” said Mr. Hara.
“Shen Yun not only presented magnificent costumes but also each performer was full of vitality. They worked together seamlessly. We were drawn in by an invisible force, unconsciously blending into the vast backdrop of the stage. This wonderful experience brought us immense joy,” he said.