SHIBUYA, Japan—From Jan. 18 to Feb. 2, Shen Yun Performing Arts graced the stage at the Line Cube Shibuya in Tokyo, offering a stunning portrayal of 5,000 years of Chinese culture through world-class artistry.
At 68, Mr. Suzuki is a seasoned actor with a career spanning film, TV, and theater. He has starred in several popular productions, earning recognition both in Japan and internationally.
He was particularly impressed by the storytelling power of classical Chinese dance, stating, “There are no words—just the movement of the hands, feet, and body, along with facial expressions, to convey emotion. It truly highlights the incredible expressive range of classical Chinese dance.”
The performance, with its blend of history and captivating storytelling, left Mr. Suzuki thoroughly engaged. He said, “The show presents a variety of stories—ancient legends, epic battles between good and evil, and even elements of modern-day China. It offers a rich tapestry of narratives to enjoy.”
“Although we live in challenging times, where expressing our views can be complicated by many factors, as human beings, we must adhere to the fundamental principles of good and evil. Regardless of the era, we should live by these values,” Mr. Suzuki noted.
Kouzo Fukazawa, a magazine producer, attended the performance for the first time on his wife’s recommendation and praised Shen Yun’s dance, describing it as “a visual delight.”
“The dancers’ hands, arms, necks, and heads all express emotion with remarkable precision. Such skill is a clear result of countless hours of training and dedication. The entire body is engaged in conveying emotion—it’s truly breathtaking,” Mr. Fukazawa remarked.
“The world is overwhelmed by self-interest and egocentric ideologies, which are driving conflicts that threaten global peace. Today’s world has become increasingly complex, with many unresolved issues. The performance conveyed timeless values that offer a path to alleviating these problems,” Mr. Fukuzawa said.
In the final dance, he saw the coming of the Creator portrayed on stage. Mr. Fukuzawa found the scene to convey hope.
“In the West, there are stories of a savior, and in the East, there is the belief in the arrival of Maitreya. We are living in a time that demands change; without it, global peace will remain unattainable. The performance delivered a powerful message of hope and peace,” Mr. Fukuzawa said.
“I was stunned. The difficulty of the movements in the dance—backflips, front flips, and more—was extraordinary. I’m at a loss for words to describe how moved I am,” Rui Sasaki, a professor at Reitaku University, said.
“The dance was like that of celestial beings, especially with how seamlessly the performers blended with the background imagery. The transitions between the characters and the backdrop were so realistic, and the timing was flawless down to the second. It was truly an ingenious way of expression. I’m sure it took an immense amount of training,” Mr. Sasaki said.
One of Shen Yun’s dances tells the true story of Falun Gong practitioners being persecuted for their faith in China.
Mr. Sasaki, the former deputy editorial chief of Sankei Shimbun, was deeply moved by the portrayal of Falun Gong practitioners, followers of the principles “Truth, Compassion, Forbearance,” enduring persecution in the performance.
Sasaki emphasized that while Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving traditional Chinese culture, it faces significant suppression.
“Today’s performance vividly depicted the harsh reality, shedding light on human rights abuses and helping more people understand the truth. I believe Shen Yun has done something truly extraordinary,” Mr. Sasaki said.
He believes that countries around the world should be speaking out for the good people who are being persecuted.
“This is unacceptable. Western nations must come together and exert pressure on the dictatorial regime in China. I believe this is of utmost importance.”
