Shen Yun Performing Arts had its first performance in Japan at the Kawaguchi Culture Center in Saitama Prefecture on Thursday.

It was audience member Keiko Sakuma’s fourth time seeing Shen Yun since the show debuted in Japan in 2007. She says she’s still impressed by the dancers.

[Keiko Sakuma, Audience Member]:
“Their physical ability is very wonderful. I’m so surprised. I also watch ballet and think their physical ability is good. But Shen Yun’s performers have a different kind of physical ability and are very synchronized. The synchronization also amazed me."

Singer and songwriter Akinori Nakagawa came to the show hoping to see authentic Chinese classical dance.

[Akinori Nakagawa, Singer & Song Writer]:
“To see classical Chinese dance is rare in Japan. Even if I go to China I don't think it's easy to see Mongolian dance or dances from other regions (of China). This chance is rare. I wanted to just once experience the real thing, that’s why I came here today.”

After seeing the performance, Saitama Prefecture parliamentary member Yoshihide Asanome felt it was important to protect people’s freedom around the world as a politician.

[Yoshihide Asanome, Saitama Parliamentary Member]:
“I think that when there are people who shed their tears among us who live happily, we all need to help those crying, we all need to do something for them. That’s what I think of the most as a politician."

Shen Yun’s next stop in Japan is Tokyo, where it will have a four show run beginning Friday night.

NTD News, Saitama, Japan.