NAGOYA -- The P. Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble, which has continued to perform even after the Russian invasion of their country, began its Japan tour Saturday in Naka Ward, Nagoya, performing dances rooted in the culture of their homeland.
This is their third visit to Japan and first in 20 years. The troupe will hold 43 shows in 31 cities in Japan through Aug. 8.
The members of the Kyiv-based troupe were forced to flee after the invasion began in February last year, but they started their European tour the following month. In the Ukrainian capital, they are said to suspend performances and practices whenever an air-raid alert is issued.
