Noh performance | Places to enjoy the sounds of Japanese instruments
Noh and history
Founded in the Muromachi period (14th century), Noh is one of Japan's most representative traditional performing arts. Performers wear masks and beautiful costumes and perform on a special Noh stage.
Kan-ami（観阿弥）, who was active in the second half of the 14th century, developed Noh with the support of the Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, incorporating elements of song and dance to enhance the artistry of the performance. Kanami's son, Zeami（世阿弥）, established the art of Noh that has been handed down to the present day by elevating Noh to a graceful performing art. He also provided the theoretical underpinnings of Noh, leaving behind a series of writings on Noh creation, performance, staging, training and even management. In addition, amateur Noh performers known as "Te-sarugaku（手猿楽）" were active in Kyoto and were very popular with the townspeople.
In the past, Noh was protected by the shogunate and various feudal lords, but the absence of protectors during the Meiji Restoration（1869） and World War II （1945）forced those involved to close down or change their business. However, it was revived by people who understood the importance of the nation's traditional art and is now registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Noh performances
Noh is based on myths and historical stories and is characterized by many stories in which spirits of plants and trees, gods, heavenly maidens and demons appear and interact with the human world. They depict various scenarios such as the ascension to the gods, the misery of war, the pure love of a maiden, female jealousy, parent-child love, demonic animals, and even the transformation of demons and monsters.
Masks are used in the performance. However, Noh masks may not be used for some characters, such as men who are still alive today. There are 20 main types of Noh masks and 200 subtypes. At first glance, Noh masks may appear expressionless, but this is not because they have no expression; rather, various expressions are woven into the masks and can be seen depending on the actor's performance.
Noh flute "Noh-kan"
The flute, Kotsuzumi (small hand drum), Otsuzumi (large hand drum), and Taiko (drums) are used to play the music. The flute is a transverse flute called a "Noh-kan". The Noh-kan is coated with lacquer and has a beautiful appearance, and the ideal material is sooty bamboo that has been smoked for more than 100 years. They are not tuned, the pitch of each flute is different, and the distance between the finger holes is also different. It is also tough to play, and high notes can only be played with a very strong blow, making it a very difficult and unique instrument.
How to see a Noh performance
Noh plays are performed in Noh theatres, halls, and outdoors on the grounds of temples and shrines.
Please check the schedule for each venue.
National Noh Theatre（Sendagaya, Tokyo）
Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre（Shibuya, Tokyo）
KANZE Noh Theatre（Ginza, Tokyo）
YARAI Noh Theatre（Kagurazaka, Tokyo）
Follow us
