The Japanese are often described as being inward-looking and stoic, with a sense of humor that often fails to connect with people from overseas. However, there are still rare birds among that bunch.

Condors are an all-male, 12-member dance troupe that was formed and is led by Ryohei Kondo. They pride themselves on defying the Japanese stereotype by having fun and maintaining an international outlook.

At an Ikebukuro coffee shop before setting off for rehearsals for his new piece, "Juninen-no Ikareru Otoko (2012 Angry Men)," 43-year-old Kondo talked enthusiastically to The Japan Times about the nation's current dance scene and his latest project.