(Minghui.org) The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra began its 2016 concert tour by presenting its unique blend of East and West to a full-house audience in Tokyo Japan, on the afternoon of September 15.

As part of the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra has toured North America each autumn since 2012. This year it will perform in 13 cities in Japan and Taiwan in addition to the North American stops on the tour.

The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra debuts its Asia Tour at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall with a matinee performance on September 15, 2016.

Violinist Fiona Zheng performs a solo piece.

Radio Station Host: “Extraordinarily Touched”

Radio station host Miyosa Takahashi.

Radio station host Ms. Miyosa Takahashi said, “I felt extraordinarily touched... from the top of my head all the way to my toes.”

“I felt uplifted and embraced by a powerful energy,” Ms. Takahashi said. She said the music was “combined perfectly” and “really wonderful.”

She also commented on the dedication of the performers, “They were so immersed in their performance that they seemed to become part of the musical instruments.”

Stage Producer: “Grand” and “Unique”

Stage producer Hatsune Miku

Stage producer Hatsune Miku commented, “Very unique... It is hard to find music this good.”

“Very grand and refreshing,” Ms. Miku said. “The entire music seemed to be looking down from above. It is at a high level and flying in the sky.”

She also shared her inspiration, “Classical music and traditional culture must be preserved. It is our responsibility to save something this excellent for future generations.”

“Refreshing” and “Exquisite”

Takao Toda, director general of Human Development Department at the International Cooperation Agency of Japan (JICA)

Dr. Takao Toda, director general of the Human Development Department of the International Cooperation Agency of Japan (JICA) said of the performance, “The grace of the East was accentuated by the magnificent power of the Western instruments. It is indeed simply exquisite.”

“Never did I imagine that such distinct Eastern and Western melodies could be performed by the same musicians,” Dr. Toda said of Shen Yun's combination of East and West. “I am truly amazed at their high level of professionalism.”

“It was truly a refreshing experience!” he stressed.

“Magnificent” and “Powerful”

Isao Yoshikawa, an author and the founder of the Japan Garden Research Association.

Mr. Isao Yoshikawa, the founder of the Japan Garden Research Association, remarked, “The blend of Chinese and Western instruments was very magnificent and powerful.”

He especially enjoyed the piece performed on the erhu instrument, which he thought was “clear,” “powerful,” and “beautiful.”

“It is hard for the Japanese to have the chance to enjoy music like this. Therefore, I would definitely recommend it to my friends,” Mr. Yoshikawa said.

The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra will next be performing 16 concerts in 12 cities in Taiwan on September 17 through October 3.

Website: ShenYun.com/symphony