Interview with Yoshimi Suhara, the leader of Zunchacha
Yoshimi Suhara, the leader of Zunchacha, is a dancer, choreographer, director, and even handles video editing. I asked her about her feelings towards the members, the secrets to continuing their activities, and the future of Zunchacha.
The energy of the team created by “honesty”
What surprises me when I see you all on YouTube is that you don't seem to show your age at all when dancing. Even works from over 10 years ago and recent works have the same impression, and with the sharpness of your movements and overflowing energy, it’s hard to believe that you are approaching your 30th anniversary since your formation.
Suhara
Thank you. When everyone is dancing, they forget their age, right? (laughs)
Our motto is “Forever Young Dancing!” While we acknowledge the challenges of age, we dance with the spirit of wanting to deliver something that gives courage.
In reality, there are younger members, but while dancing together, you don’t feel that age difference at all. Everyone seems like they are “eternally 30 years old.”
Suhara
That makes me very happy. If you feel that way, it might be because the members are really interacting naturally with each other.
Zunchacha has an atmosphere of mutual respect. If someone is working hard, we support them, and we can honestly acknowledge each other's wonderful qualities. I believe that such relationships create vibrant energy.
I can sense the trust you have in the members. How did the members come together?
Suhara
Members who have been active for over 20 years have been dancing together since their connection with a university dance club. Additionally, some have joined the group after participating in Zunchacha workshops, gradually expanding our circle.
What do you think is necessary for a dancer?
Suhara
“Honesty, Curiosity, Perseverance,” I would say. A person who can accept everything honestly seems to have endless possibilities opening up.
Also, I think that continuing to explore oneself as a dancer and accumulating daily practice leads to deeper expression.
Maximizing the charm of each individual
While being a dancer, Suhara also takes on many roles such as director, choreographer, video editor, and leader of the team. Do you have a particular favorite role?
Suhara
I love and find fulfillment in all of them.
Especially, dancing together with everyone in the Zunchacha family (the participants of the dance class taught by Suhara) and the process of creating works with the members is very enjoyable and fulfilling both physically and mentally.
That sounds wonderful. However, are there also serious moments during practice?
Suhara
For each performance, rehearsals can take about a year, so there are times when I become nervous during that process. Sometimes I entrust choreography to the members, and when I hit a wall myself, I am supported by the members' suggestions.
I feel that a good bond is being nurtured between you and the members.
Suhara
The members never say “NO” to any of my suggestions and always trust me. That’s why I feel that “My mission is to make the members shine!” and I face the works with joy, aiming to maximize the charm of each individual.
Just being yourself is enough
Next year (2026) marks the 30th anniversary. Do you have any secrets to continuing Zunchacha?
Suhara
Personally, there have been times over the past 30 years when I struggled with creation, but when I realized that I didn’t have to force myself to pursue something new and that “just being myself is enough,” I became able to face my works more easily.
The reason we have been able to continue is simply that “I love dancing, it’s fun, and it’s what I want to do.” The members probably feel the same way.
However, considering the team, I feel it’s miraculous that we have been able to continue contemporary dance, which is difficult to grasp, especially since the dance population is not large. I am truly grateful to the members who have walked with us and to everyone who has continuously supported us.
I hope to continue our journey of “Forever Young Dancing!” in our own way, without setting limits or boundaries.
Do you have any plans for events or anything special for the 30th anniversary?
Suhara
I am very honored that in February 2026, Zunchacha's 30th anniversary commemorative performance will be hosted by Arusu Kurashiki.
About three years ago, after the conclusion of the 25th anniversary performance, we received a proposal from Arusu Kurashiki (Kurashiki City Cultural Promotion Foundation) saying, “Let’s do something exciting with dance!” Since then, they have supported various projects such as video production, workshops, and video exhibitions, allowing us to expand our possibilities.
I am grateful for their continued support, and I am determined to work wholeheartedly with all the members.
I want to deliver “pleasant things” to the hearts of the audience
Finally, what does “dance” mean to you, Suhara?
Suhara
Nowadays, there are truly diverse styles of “dance,” and each type of dance has its own charm. However, I find myself captivated by the dances of those whose “humanity” can be felt.
Also, on a more personal level, I find the sight of the Zunchacha family enjoying dance purely in class to be very charming.
In Zunchacha's dance, you can feel the expressions of each individual, and after watching, a strange aftertaste remains.
Suhara
We are all different in age, personality, and physical ability, and as we explore how to express ourselves, I am very happy that you feel that way.
After watching a performance, if you remember, “That person was energetic” or feel positive, thinking, “I will do my best tomorrow,” I want to continue to strive to deliver something pleasant to the hearts of those who watch us.
After the interview
After summarizing the interview and reading it again, the image of Suhara as a “woman who exudes a dignified and supple strength” emerges. However, it is somewhat different from the impression I had when we spoke. Listening back to the recorded audio, I could hear Suhara's voice, which was friendly, occasionally overreacting, and full of humor.
In the process of creating the article, as I captured what I wanted to convey, extracted wonderful quotes, and compiled the text, the words naturally filtered, and in the end, only Suhara's “core” remained vividly.
Suhara and Zunchacha have walked this far, sometimes hesitating, while transforming various experiences into energy. They are now stepping into new challenges as they approach the significant milestone of their 30th anniversary.
I believe that they will continue to deliver emotions to us in a way that is uniquely Zunchacha, without fitting into any mold or imitating anyone.
Cover photo
Image provided by Zunchacha (photo yukiwo)
Dance Performance Group Zunchacha Data
| Group Name | Dance Performance Group Zunchacha |
|---|---|
| Industry | Contemporary Dance / Dance Studio |
| Representative Name | Suahara Yoshimitsu |
| Year Established | 1996 |
| Address | 〒710-0046 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Chuo 2-18-3 CHIMI STUDIO |
| Contact | 0864250737 |
| Website | ZUNCHACHA website |
