As a typhoon approached Tokyo, with rain cascading over the city’s streets and residents seeking shelter, Toru Utsumi, 60, stood undeterred in Shinjuku Chuo Park, clad in a soaked suit, red tie, and sneakers, performing energetic dance moves reminiscent of the classic film “Singin’ in the Rain.” Known as Japan’s “dancing salaryman,” Utsumi has amassed a following of over a million fans on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram by posting lively dance videos that contrast sharply with Japan’s typically reserved corporate culture.
Utsumi’s performances span a wide array of locations—including train stations, rooftops, historic sites, and beaches—often blending diverse musical influences from J-pop to Buena Vista Social Club. His choreography involves a mix of vibrant moves such as cartwheels, splits, and leaps, supported by a meticulous approach that includes maintaining a playlist of more than 1,000 songs to avoid repetition.
While some in Japan regard Utsumi’s style as undisciplined or out of place, especially given his age and the nation’s emphasis on conformity and public order, he has attracted devoted international followers who see him as a symbol of joyful expression. Among his admirers is Roberto Cimmino, an Italian lawyer who traveled to Japan and danced with Utsumi outside Tokyo Station. Cimmino described Utsumi’s videos as a welcome reprieve from the stress of global challenges like war and climate change, calling him “a joy machine.”
Utsumi’s background reflects an unconventional upbringing. Raised in Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, he moved frequently owing to his father’s role as a Lutheran minister. This transitory childhood left him feeling somewhat detached from traditional Japanese society. His interest in dance began early, inspired by ballet performances connected to his family’s church. In the 1980s, as a high school student during Japan’s street-band era, Utsumi danced on the streets and played guitar in a heavy metal band, drawing inspiration from rock icons like Keith Richards and Mick Jagger.
By day, Utsumi climbed the corporate ladder initially through sales of copy machines before transitioning to independent management consulting. There, he focused on promoting empathetic leadership—a response to his own experiences with workplace stress. In 2018, seeking a creative outlet at age 52, he formally took dance lessons, joining a growing movement of middle-aged and older Japanese embracing social dance for health and social connection.
Sachiko Nagatomo, his dance instructor, characterized Utsumi’s style as highly improvised and unconventional but captivating due to his intuitive rhythm and distinctive presence. Beginning in 2023, Utsumi committed to daily video posts to hone his skills and has since become a recognized social media figure, appearing in advertisements and short films. He balances his dance with his consulting career, earning acceptance from colleagues who view his performances as part of his personality, although many clients remain unaware of his dance career.
Despite his popularity, Utsumi acknowledges moments of nervousness when dancing publicly and quickly moves on after filming, often encountering disapproving onlookers who question his right to perform in public spaces. He downplays any broader mission, stating that while he does not seek to inspire society at large, he hopes that seeing his enjoyment will encourage others to pursue activities that bring them personal happiness.