NISHINOMIYA, Japan—Nishinomiya, a city in Japan’s culturally rich Kansai region, welcomed Shen Yun Performing Arts on January 7 through the 9th. Many art enthusiasts were deeply impressed by Shen Yun’s exceptional artistic achievements
“The entire performance was breathtaking and spectacular—every scene and moment was truly exceptional,” praised Ryoko Nakamoto, a professional opera soprano.
“The tenor’s voice was absolutely beautiful—pure, smooth, and perfectly straight, with no vibrato. It felt so clear and refreshing. I would love the chance to perform a duet with him someday,” she said.
“Every piece touched me. The dance went beyond the level of ballet and rhythmic gymnastics. It was truly amazing. I couldn’t help but wonder, how much training does it take to reach such an exquisite level of dancing?” said Ms. Nakamoto.
“The creativity of the dynamic backdrop was incredible, bringing to life stunning scenes of ancient China. The way the virtual characters seamlessly transitioned with the live performers was breathtaking, and the timing was spot on,” said Ms. Nakamoto.
She expressed that seeing Shen Yun at the start of 2025 was a wonderful way to start the year.
“Seeing such a beautiful and moving performance again at the start of the New Year left me feeling completely energized and truly satisfied,” she said.
“Shen Yun’s dance is beyond extraordinary—divine and beautiful, and it deeply moved me,” said choreographer Tsugumi Yukina.
“There are no words, no extra movements, yet the dance tells a story, conveys emotions, and completely draws you in. It’s truly a rare and unforgettable performance,” expressed Ms. Tsugumi.
“These techniques may look effortless, but as professionals, we know how challenging they really are. I truly believe these dancers are exceptional—they’ve not only mastered these complex moves, but they execute them flawlessly. It’s incredibly impressive,” she said.
While many contemporary dance groups focus on the individual, many audience members are struck by the teamwork and synchronicity seen in Shen Yun’s performances.
“Everyone has their own unconscious, habitual movements. Achieving perfect synchronization among all the dancers is incredibly difficult, but Shen Yun managed to do it,” said Ms. Tsugumi.
Ms. Tsugumi’s friend, Miki Hikari, a stage actress, shared that she was really struck by the beauty of the “Dance of the Golden Phoenix.”
“The phoenix, adorned in a stunning golden costume, danced gracefully through the mist, and its movements were elegant and captivating,” praised Ms. Hikari.
“I was surprised to discover that it was a live accompaniment—it was so grand and impressive,” Ms. Hikari remarked.
She was deeply moved by the sound of the erhu, an ancient Chinese instrument.
“This was my first time hearing an erhu solo. Despite its small size, it produces such rich sound, almost as if several instruments are playing. The unique tone is simply beautiful,” she said.
