Philippine Dance Crew FEMME MNL Draws Criticism in Japan After Large Shibuya Performance; Filipinos Rally to Defend Them

A viral dance performance by Philippine dance group FEMME MNL in Shibuya, Japan has sparked heated reactions online, especially from the Japanese.

The group, known for high-energy choreography and large synchronized formations, recently uploaded clips showing their members performing at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Their routine involved dancers taking up a significant portion of the street.

Japanese commenters quickly voiced disapproval across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Many cited local etiquette, noting that large group performances in public thoroughfares are generally treated as a nuisance — especially in busy districts like Shibuya, where movement efficiency is part of the city’s rhythm.

Others pointed out that even when Japanese productions film at the crossing, they do so under strict permits, at dawn, or during off-peak hours to avoid interfering with locals.

Japanese users questioned whether FEMME MNL obtained permission, saying the group was “blocking the road,” and “inconveniencing commuters”. The comments was not purely about the dance — it was about respecting local social norms, something deeply embedded in Japanese public culture.

On the other side, a wave of Filipino netizens rushed to defend FEMME MNL on their Tiktok post. Their argument is blunt: the group did not stand directly on the pedestrian crossing during active traffic, and they performed in an area where people normally take photos, gather, and film content. Supporters insist the backlash is exaggerated, accusing critics of xenophobia or nitpicking, and arguing that Shibuya’s chaotic, neon-soaked environment naturally lends itself to performance and expression.

FEMME MNL, for their part, framed the performance as a dream milestone — an achievement connected to their participation in Dance Supremacy International. Their posts express gratitude and excitement, not provocation. They did not address the criticism directly.