SAPPORO, Japan—The capital of Hokkaido sits in the coldest region of Japan. Despite the winter weather, Shen Yun Performing Arts still drew in four sold-out performances at the Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater Hitaru.
The couple expressed the way the female dancers moved gracefully and how the male dancers showed such strength.
“The female dances were graceful and beautiful. The way the women lifted their legs was admirable ... the male dances were powerful and dynamic, with amazing leaps and especially impressive body rotations,” said Mr. Yamada.
Shen Yun is based in New York and currently has eight companies touring the world simultaneously. Each company includes an orchestra that combines instruments of the East and West.
Mr. Yamada found that Shen Yun’s music is “a healing medicine for the soul.”
“I felt healed. At the same time, I realized that not only music but also artistic beauty can serve as medicine. This performance was like that, both uplifting and calming, touching, and truly a multi-sensory delight. The entire performance was indeed a healing medicine for the soul,” said Mr. Yamada.
“The erhu, with only two strings, could produce such a variety of sounds, and its beautiful tone was truly amazing,” he remarked.
“The lyrics are profound, and I can feel the emphasis on the connection between humans and the divine in traditional Chinese philosophy,” said Mr. Yamada.
Shen Yun’s digital backdrop is patented technology. It not only provides the translated text, but also extends the stage, allowing the set to change from heavenly palaces to flowery meadows in the blink of an eye.
“The concept of the dynamic backdrop was innovative and wonderful. It’s a fantastic, creative idea,” said Mr. Yamada.
The last program in Shen Yun depicts the Creator saving the good during a moment of disaster. The scene deeply moved Mr. Yamada.
“I felt as if I was being saved. It also reminded me of stories like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments, which were very touching,” he said.
On the evening of Feb. 6, Yoshihiro Inoue, president of an investment consulting firm, attended the second performance of Shen Yun Performing Arts at Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater Hitaru.
Through Shen Yun, Mr. Inoue found a deep connection between Chinese and Japanese culture.
“Basically, Japanese culture, including kanji characters and writing, was passed down from China. Japan is connected to China in terms of thought. Shen Yun showcases the China familiar to the Japanese, so I felt nostalgic while seeing this performance,” he continued.
Through China’s many dynasties, the land that each dynasty covered grew and shrunk until it settled into what we know today. In this passing of time, there was a natural spread of culture. And despite the Chinese Communist Party’s systematic destruction of culture, bits of tradition lived on in places like Japan.
Mr. Inoue expressed that present-day China has disappointed him.
“When I think about modern China today, there are aspects that disappoint me,” he said.
“Modern China is harshly ruled by the authorities, and the people lack freedom. Despite being oppressed, the Chinese people continue to spread traditional ideas to the world for the betterment of humanity, which is remarkable. Such practice is crucial,” he elaborated.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Mr. Inoue shared his pleasure of seeing the possibility of China returning to its former splendor.
“I am delighted to see such wonderful things. Shen Yun has positively influenced me, lightening my mood and making me feel relaxed and happy. I also want to see the true, authentic China again. Let us work together towards this goal,” he said.
Shen Yun’s dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“The dancers’ extraordinary skills and exceptional physical abilities are admirable. It is truly fortunate to witness such a performance,” said Mr. Inoue.
“The Shen Yun dances were superb! The dancers seemed to freeze time with their leaps, and their skills were astonishing,” said Mr. Inoue.
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