Femme MNL, a dance crew known for its all-gay members and artist-driven performances has once again made headlines—but this time for controversy abroad.
The group gained fame after they received a golden buzzer on ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ in 2025 and winning the 2025 ‘Dance Supremacy International’ competition in the Big Crew Division. They are celebrated for their confidence and boundary-breaking performances.
Recently, Femme MNL performed a flash mob in the middle of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, a location crowded with thousands of people daily. While the crew’s goal was to showcase their talent, represent Filipino pride, and share their craft with a global audience, the performance quickly drew criticism online.
Many Japanese viewers expressed frustration on Instagram, saying the dance disrupted public space and seemed inconsiderate to passerby.
View this post on Instagram
The backlash was amplified by the crew’s large numbers, where some viewers pointed out that they’re blocking pedestrian flow and created a hazard in one of Tokyo’s busiest intersections. Critics noted that public performances in Japan usually require coordination with authorities or official permission, and this appeared to be overlooked.
Comments on Instagram and Facebook reflect the backlash. Many criticized the crew for gathering in large numbers without apparent permission, with Japanese netizens calling it “disturbing,” and “annoying,” while Filipinos expressed their embarrassment.
Other users emphasized the importance of respecting local customs, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” reminding us that audience and location should always guide performance choices.
Femme MNL has not issued a formal response to the criticisms. But, the incident has sparked conversations how artists can showcase their art internationally while respecting the customs, norms, and daily life of local communities. The Shibuya flash mob serves as a reminder that even celebrated artistry needs to be careful and to not disrupt the community while being a spectacle.
The incident raised big questions: How much can a performer show their own culture without bothering the local country? And how can art stay lively while respecting local people’s everyday routines?
Other POP! stories that you might like:
‘Quiet cracking’ in the workforce: A silent threat that dampens motivation and productivity
Olivia Rodrigo slams Trump administration for using her song in a deportation video
