entertainment

Japanese dance group combines traditional and modern in 'Asia’s Got Talent' performance

13 Comments
By RocketNews24

If a recent spate of performances by Japanese dance groups, “talent” stars and other Japanese artists who brought the house down on Western television is any indication, the west may finally once again be catching on to “Cool Japan” – that tagline the country’s tourism board wants so desperately to sell abroad – after a long hiatus.

Of course, we all know and adore Baby Metal by now, Hatsune Miku had that awkward appearance on Letterman (which arguably may have hurt Japan’s pop culture image more than anything) and our adorable friend Mininja seems poised for foreign fame any day now, but that’s just scratching the surface of Japanese performers catching on abroad. And the number of artists waiting in line for their chance to shine in foreign lands is only growing, as evidenced by an increasing number of Japanese hopefuls on shows like "Asia’s Got Talent," such as this super cool dance troupe hailing from Tokyo who recently brought the house down on the show.

Triqstar, the six-person dance group, appeared on the show in early May and blew the audience away with a neat kabuki-inspired dance routine that drew on traditional shamisen music, modern dance moves and even Buddhist iconography to deliver a powerful, awe-inspiring performance that felt like some it landed somewhere between the musical stylings and aesthetics of Wagakki Band and the jittery, robotic dancing of Kenichi Ebina – that guy who appeared to make his own head fall off on "America’s Got Talent" a couple of years ago. There’s even some brief contortionist stuff.

While it’s all pretty neat looking and definitely worth a look, this wasn’t Triqstar’s first time in the spotlight by a long shot. They’re modestly well-known here in Japan – in the right circles anyway – and at least a few of the members used to perform as Madonna backup dancers. Maybe they left that gig because she insisted on sneak-attack making out with them on stage and traumatized them all.

Thanks to Triqstar’s stunning performance, the team was welcomed into the top six and will move on to the next round of eliminations, which means there’s a remote but very real possibility the final episode will feature a showdown between Triqstar and this other very talented tambourine man.

Source: Curazy

Read more stories from RocketNews24 -- That’s the Power of Music – It Really Does Bring Joy to the World!! -- Want to Grow a Bonsai Tree? There’s an App for That -- Free Admission – Twelve of Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets

© Japan Today

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


13 Comments
Login to comment

Have any of these globally popular TV talent shows ever been adapted for Japanese TV? (American Idol, Britain's Got Talent, The Voice etc).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I personally belieVe that Japan was the country who initiated talent shows.

I recall there were many back to 10 years ago.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Simon Cowell must need an excavator for the cash he's piling up.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I voted for them thru facebook. They didn't win not because there are better than them but simply because the audience votes count. They are so brilliant that some simple steps appear to be sophisticated. Never know them except from AGT yet Iam hooked. Viva to them! Never mind not really winning because that exposure made them win some fans!! They are the new entertainment ambassadors of Japan. May we see more of you!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

yu-chen - not sure about talent shows originating in Japan - such shows were appearing on US tv at least 50 years ago and became more widespread in English speaking countries in the 70s & 80s. The key element was the true "amateur" being given a chance to perform and the good were shown with the bad.

Japan has some excellent talent shows over the years, however the format is not the same as the now world-wide popular "........................ got talent" or "............................idol" series. I think these formats with 1,000s of hopefuls auditioning and successfully winning their way through many rounds to a grand finale is the best.

One things for sure, with my lack of performing talents, I'd never get past first day auditions - unless I could create an act out of gardening. lol.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

they didnt win but ive been a fan since seeing them on AGT.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Its awesome group In Asia Ganbatte Cia yo!!!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Who is judge chic in red? Refers to Japanese people as "you people".

Have any of these globally popular TV talent shows ever been adapted for Japanese TV?

Not possible in Japan, unless you belong to a talent agency you are not going on TV.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

There was a group of five young Japanese dancers on "America's Got Talent" last night, wo mixed modern dance with some cool visual effects. They were awesome -- easily going on to the next round.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

These guys are all talented and good at what they do individually and as a group. I've seen some of their performances during dance battles in Japan and they really deserve a spot. Also, it's nice that they are bringing their culture with every moves and wherever they go.

Maybe Japan should make them ambassador for Tourism. They are not just bringing honor to their selves but also to their country. After all, "Japan to the World" is their motto and I believe that it's already happening. Their Facebook fans are growing in number each day.

Even though I'm not Japanese, I'm so proud of what they have achieved so far and wish them continuous success. May they bring more glory to Japan.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@gogogo

I've been on TV several times, but I ain't got no talent ! (and I wouldn't dream of trying to "sign up" for a "talent agency"...)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

well. japan cannot vote?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

M3M3M3MAY. 28, 2015 - 07:47AM JST Have any of these globally popular TV talent shows ever been adapted for Japanese TV? (American Idol, Britain's Got Talent, The Voice etc).

Most of the Western talent shows are adapted for the whole Asian region like Asia's Got Talent, Asia's Next Top Model, and etc. A Japanese contestant is picked and compete against ones from China, Singapore, the Philippines, and etc. Most of these shows are on the cable TV stations like AXN or FOX.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites