Her Imperial Majesty The Empress of Japan visits Riverdance in Tokyo

Thursday 5th May in the ACT Theatre Tokyo was another landmark day in the history of Riverdance. We were graced by a visit to the performance by Her Imperial Majesty The Empress of Japan.

Our Japanese tour promoter Massey Hiyasshi of HIP, approached the Royal Household some weeks before and presented an initiation to attend the show. Numerous meetings took place to discuss the arrangements.

The week before the visit we had to have a detailed consultation with the Imperial Security Service and Fire Authorities.

Our cast hastily rehearsed an ending to the show which would include a final bow for the boys and curtsy from the girls towards the Empress.

The event had to run to an exacting schedule which on the day ran like clockwork, with the Empress arriving, being met and escorted to her seat by Massy, his wife and the Irish Ambassador Brendan Scanlon and his wife.

After the performance our to lead dancers Siobhan Manson and Joe Moriarty were invited to meet Her Imperial Majesty and were fortunate to being allowed to have their photographs taken with her.

Siobhan Manson

I was really excited when I found out that Joe and I were going to be lucky enough to meet the empress of Japan, I googled her instantly to find out as much about her as I could. The night she was due we had a brief rehearsal before the show with the whole cast to alter the bows in the finale. In her honour, instead of the usual bows, the girls curtseyed and the boys bowed low. When she was seated the audience all applauded and took photos of her, we could see the flashing of cameras on our screen monitors backstage, It was likely as exciting for them as it was for us! There was undoubtedly a buzz backstage throughout the performance and the audience response was outstanding.

Straight after the show Joe and I were escorted to a private room in the theatre, there were security guards everywhere and no one was allowed to accompany us. Because of the fuss being made and of course her royal status, I was not sure what to expect. I have to say it was an absolute pleasure to meet her. She put Joe and I at ease immediately with her familiar manner. She was tiny and spoke almost in whispers but her presence would have filled any room. I was so pleased to see how genuinely overwhelmed she was by the whole experience. We were told earlier that she usually only attends shows of a more classical nature like the ballet and opera, The empress said it had been uplifting to sit amongst the audience and feel the atmosphere and how much they were enjoying themselves. She asked us to thank everyone in the cast on her behalf. She spoke about how much she had enjoyed Ireland when she visited; she spent time in Galway, my hometown, and told us about some old Irish songs she loves. She also has a fondness for shepards pie! Her Highness was wearing a shamrock broach that She told us She had woven herself from silk.

Eventually the Empress was whisked away by another very official looking man! Just as she was leaving she told Joe and I she would always remember this, And I'm certain our encounter with the empress is something neither Joe or I will forget.

Joe Moriarty

When I First found out Siobhan and I were going to meet the Empress I was extremely excited and nervous all at the same time. I knew we had to deliver an outstanding performance for her Highness. My day started out as usual. I got up and had breakfast at the hotel. After that I went to the local fitness centre. I had to make sure I was in tip-top shape for the Empress. When I was finished with my workout I had lunch then took an afternoon nap. Now it was time for the show.

When the Empress entered the theatre you could feel her presence. The show went down a hit. By the end of the finale the audience along with the Empress rose to their feet cheering with thunderous applause. After the show we were whisked away to a private room with a large security detail. Once we entered the room the Empress congratulated us along with cast for an outstanding performance. It is very unusual for the empress to attend theatre productions so we were extremely honoured to have her in attendance. When I first spoke with her I was very nervous but that changed within a few moments due to her calming manner. Her presence would have filled any room. We spoke with her about her visits to Ireland. She mentioned she had travelled to the west of Ireland then made her way to Dublin. She spoke about how she thoroughly enjoyed Irish music, poetry and the Irish food. After our brief chat we took a photo with the Empress, which is very rare. She was then whisked out of the room by her security detail. It was an encounter I will cherish forever.