At 60, Toru Utsumi has become an unexpected social media sensation. The Japanese management consultant posts short videos of himself dancing in the streets of Tokyo, often wearing a suit and keeping a straight face. His distinctive choreographies, viewed millions of times, also tell the story of the joy of discovering a new activity and making time for a break from a demanding work life.
At 60, this Japanese management consultant is making waves on social media
On a Tokyo street, a man in a suit sets down his briefcase, props up his phone and starts dancing. He keeps a serious expression as his movements—sometimes hesitant, sometimes surprisingly acrobatic—contrast with the look of an executive taking a break between appointments. In just a few seconds, the scene catches passersby off guard and captivates internet users.
These short videos are shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. They attract hundreds of thousands of followers and rack up millions of views around the world. Many viewers have nicknamed their protagonist the “salaryman,” referring to the Japanese office worker. Yet behind this character who seems to appear out of nowhere in the middle of the city is a very real man: Toru Utsumi, a 60-year-old management consultant.
An office worker who takes up dancing
A new activity taken up in adulthood
In his professional life, Toru Utsumi has a serious, structured job. Dance, however, plays a different role: he started taking classes a few years ago, after enjoying Mick Jagger’s moves and going to nightclubs in his youth for a long time. His longstanding love of music and movement eventually turned into a hands-on pursuit.
Posting his first videos helped him make himself practice regularly. The camera thus became a kind of appointment with himself: to improve, he had to repeat the moves, try new ones and get used to seeing himself dance. At first, he did not see it as the start of a social media career, but rather as a way to stay on track with his learning.
Early days marked by criticism
The first reactions were not all positive. Some internet users found his videos embarrassing or wondered what a man his age was doing dancing in front of a camera. These comments sometimes made him question what he was doing. Despite the negative remarks, he kept posting and practicing.
Gradually, his character reached beyond the circle of Japanese viewers. His visual contrast—a conventional suit, a stern face and unexpected movements—made his clips instantly recognizable. The videos spread internationally and attracted the attention of news outlets, far beyond dance-focused communities.
Unpredictable choreography in the heart of Tokyo
Dancing by instinct
It is difficult to pin Toru Utsumi’s performances down to a single style. The music changes, sometimes in response to requests from internet users, and his movements vary from one video to the next. He might simply swing his arms and slide his dress shoes, or attempt a more spectacular move, such as a cartwheel or the splits.
The setting also contributes to the strangeness of the scenes. Toru dances in front of buildings, in a hotel room, on a beach or in the street. He may film in broad daylight or after nightfall, in fine weather or in the rain. Around him, passersby often go on their way, while the man in the suit seems completely focused on his choreography.
This contrast is one of the things that makes his videos work. The consultant’s reserved demeanor contrasts with the energy of his movements and his choice of upbeat songs, including international pop music. His apparent calm adds to the comic effect, but his performances also reflect regular practice and a desire to improve.
Dance as a break from the pace of work
In Japan, long workdays and professional pressure fuel serious concerns about burnout. In this context, Toru Utsumi’s videos are often seen as an image of personal escape: a few minutes devoted to an activity unrelated to the demands of the office.
For him, dancing contributes to his physical and mental well-being. It gives him another way to unwind after work, separate from outings with colleagues and evenings that can run late. The street then becomes a place where he can practice, alone in front of his phone, without waiting until he has reached a professional level.
He is not trying to present a perfect performance. The movements may be awkward or out of sync, and that freedom is part of what attracts the audience. By continuing to post videos despite the criticism, he shows that it is possible to take up a new activity in adulthood without having to justify the desire with immediate success.
A message about the desire to get started
Toru Utsumi presents his practice as an invitation to try an activity one has long put off. His journey shows that it is possible to get started without being young, without already mastering the moves and without knowing where the experience will lead. At 60, he continues to learn in public, in ordinary places and with everyday resources.
This idea adds another dimension to his videos. They entertain with their incongruity, intrigue viewers with the seriousness of their performer and offer an unusual portrayal of age and work. The consultant does not give up his professional appearance: he keeps it even when he starts dancing, turning this familiar outfit into an integral part of his character.
On social media, his straight face and improvised steps have become a recognizable signature. Toru Utsumi chooses his songs, adapts his movements and films his choreography whenever he feels like it. His online presence is based less on technical prowess than on the freedom to dance in his own way, without waiting for the perfect moment.
