TOKYO, Japan—Shen Yun Performing Arts kicked off its Japan leg of its 2026 world tour on April 2 at the Shinjuku Bunka Center. The theater was filled with anticipation as audience members gathered to experience the company’s 2-hr production celebrating the beauty that is “China before communism.” Through classical Chinese dance, music, and storytelling, Shen Yun brings to life the essence of a civilization spanning 5,000 years to revive traditional Chinese culture.
Among the audience was Umeyuki Bando, a Japanese dance master with more than three decades of teaching experience, who attended the performance with her students.
“I was deeply moved. I had seen it before and thought it was wonderful, so I was really looking forward to today,” Ms. Bando said.
Ms. Bando was most impressed by the dancers’ synchronization, which she said was a testament to their hard work behind the scenes. “When I thought about how everyone came together as one, and how much they must have practiced to reach this level, it really warmed my heart,” she said.
Praising the performers’ precision and artistry, she added, “It’s perfect—truly wonderful. I felt there was something in common with Japan’s Takarazuka.”
Ms. Bando also appreciated the expressive power of the dancers. “The way they strive to express everything through their bodies is truly remarkable. Their youthfulness shines through on stage, and it’s lovely,” she said.
With her background connected to traditional Japanese performing arts, including ties to Kabuki and familiarity with Takarazuka, she noted, “This performance expresses the very best of what stage art can be. I hope it will be cherished.”
Ms. Bando was very happy to learn about Shen Yun’s global success, having expanded now to eight simultaneously touring companies. She remarked, “Art is nourishment for the soul. That’s why I believe everyone should see it.”
She also shared that the experience left her feeling uplifted: “I am very satisfied. It inspires me to keep striving and doing my best.”
Accompanying Ms. Bando was her student, Rieko Suzuki, who was attending Shen Yun for the first time.
“The dance was truly wonderful,” she said. “Even from the second floor, everything looked so beautiful, and the technique was superb.”
Ms. Suzuki was especially impressed by Shen Yun’s stagecraft and the animated backdrop. “What I found most remarkable was the staging,” she said. “The way the performance seemed to move from two dimensions into three made me think deeply. I can’t fully explain it well, but it felt profound—almost philosophical.”
Ms. Suzuki also reflected on the deeper themes conveyed through the performance. “It made me feel humble,” she said, noting the portrayal of kindness and humanity throughout the stories.
Speaking of the finale, she said, “At the end, it felt as though we, too, were illuminated by the divine. It made me realize that we must strive to live righteously.”
