Japanese Lawyer and Family Praise Shen Yun’s Artistry
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Attorney Mutsuo Suenaga attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Fukuoka Civic Hall in Japan together with his wife (second from left) and his sister-in-law on May 5, 2026. Xiao Lei/The Epoch Times
FUKUOKA, Japan—On the evening of May 5, attorney Mutsuo Suenaga attended the second performance of New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Fukuoka Civic Hall in Japan, together with his wife and sister-in-law. The family described the experience as highly engaging and artistically rich.
Mr. Suenaga said he first learned about Shen Yun on YouTube and decided to attend with his family. While the online videos were impressive, he noted that the live performance carried a much deeper different impact.
“It was wonderful, really wonderful,” Mr. Suenaga said. “The male and female dancers were amazing.”
He added that he was particularly impressed by Shen Yun’s special effects using an animated backdrop and its live orchestra. “It was my first time seeing that kind of backdrop. The orchestra was really amazing.”
Mrs. Suenaga also praised the live orchestra, especially highlighting the erhu solo, a two-stringed bowed instrument often referred to as the Chinese violin. “The orchestra was excellent. The erhu was especially wonderful,” she said. She also spoke highly of the soprano singer, noting, “The soprano was outstanding. I love musicals, and this was on the same level.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, with a mission to revive 5,000 years of China’s divinely inspired heritage and share with audiences the beauty of “China before communism.”
Several artistic elements have become hallmarks of Shen Yun’s signature style, including its breathtaking landscapes and vivid depictions of Chinese society, precisely synchronized with the live performance. The company is also known for its unique orchestra that harmoniously blends Western and Eastern instruments.
Of the various dance pieces, Mr. Suenaga said he especially appreciated the historical-themed works.
Mrs. Suenaga, who described herself as a frequent theatergoer and fan of Chinese dramas, also shared her impressions. “The costumes were wonderful. I really love these Chinese dramas.”
Shen Yun’s dance programs also include contemporary pieces depicting persecution of belief in China. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline and meditation practice with moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
Mr. Suenaga’s sister-in-law said she felt the message was important. “I think it is something that needs to be known.” She also expressed admiration for how directly the subject was presented on stage.
Mr. Suenaga further reflected that he felt the performance conveyed meaningful messages during the viewing. “I felt those kinds of messages while watching,” he said. “I felt it was expressing that such oppression should not exist.”
He also appreciated the spiritual and traditional cultural themes in the performance, noting that he agreed with moral ideas such as the connection between the divine and humanity, as well as karmic principles.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Mr. Suenaga said the performance left him feeling inspired. “It was amazing how much effort they put in. I felt encouraged, and I thought I need to work harder myself.”
The couple both expressed a wish to see Shen Yun again. Similarly, the sister-in-law praised the dancers’ skill and said, “It was amazing. I was deeply moved. I hope I can see it again.”
