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At 60, Toru Utsumi continues to dance his way into the spotlight despite facing criticism from some viewers in Japan (Img: Instagram )
Tokyo: Toru Utsumi, a 60-year-old Japanese management consultant, has become an internet sensation with his energetic dance videos. Known online as Japan’s “dancing salaryman,” he is attracting millions of views while challenging conventional ideas about age, self-expression and public behaviour.
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Utsumi, who works as an independent management consultant, has nurtured a passion for dance since childhood. Growing up in Japan’s Kyushu region, he developed an early interest in movement after watching ballet performances. His musical influences later expanded to include rock, heavy metal and reggae.
Although dance remained a personal passion for decades, Utsumi returned to formal classes in 2018, when he was 52. He wanted to pursue an activity that brought him joy, recognising that starting something physically demanding could become more difficult with age.
In 2023, he began sharing his performances on social media. His distinctive style, which combines freestyle movements with locking-inspired techniques, quickly attracted an international audience.
Dressed in formal shirts, trousers and coats, Utsumi stands out for dancing with uninhibited energy, often in public spaces. His Instagram account, Tohru Dance, has reportedly amassed more than 640,000 followers, while his TikTok audience exceeds one million.
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His videos have also inspired international fans to meet him in person and join him for spontaneous dance sessions.
Utsumi has described dancing as a way to quiet his thoughts and become completely immersed in the moment. For him, the activity offers a comfortable outlet for self-expression.
Despite his popularity overseas, Utsumi has faced criticism from some Japanese viewers. According to his accounts in media interviews, detractors have questioned his technique and suggested that his relaxed approach can appear disrespectful to carefully practised choreography.
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Public dancing can also be viewed as disruptive in a society that places considerable importance on order and social expectations.
Utsumi believes his unconventional approach reflects the freedom to express oneself without worrying excessively about fitting in.
Utsumi intends to continue dancing until at least the age of 71. His growing popularity offers a reminder that pursuing a passion need not come with an age limit, even when it challenges conventional expectations.
