Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), joined over a thousand people In Beijing October 28 evening to watch the premier of the famous Japanese art troupe the Takarazuka Revue Company.

Prior to the performance, Li met with the president of the Japan-China Association, Yoshio Sakurauchi, and some members of the troupe. Li extended a warm welcome to the artists, and wished their performing tour in China a great success.

The Takarazuka Revue Company enjoys a high reputation in Japan for its unique style, which combines American Broadway theater with traditional Japanese culture.

During the 83 years since its founding, the company, which is composed of female performers only, has toured many countries around the world, winning high praise.

The company's current tour is at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture, and the troupe will also go to Shanghai to participate in the first Shanghai International Art Festival. (Xinhua)