Discover Japanese performing arts: Noh and Kyogen

11 Nov 2024

With the support of Kasumi Kaikan, a general incorporated association, the International Centre provides international students with opportunities to enjoy Japan's traditional performing arts.

On October 26, 23 international students, including two students from Gakushuin Boys' Senior High School, attended a Japanese performing arts' program, which consisted of a Kyogen performance "YASEMATSU (Skinny Pine)" and Noh performance "KAGETSU (Kagetsu and Father Reunited)" at the National Noh Theatre. Kyogen is a comedic, conversational play, and Noh is a highly sophisticated mask play.

The National Noh Theatre building in Japanese style is very impressive.

The program was not only for viewing, but also for experiencing Noh in an enjoyable and easy-to-understand way, with commentary by the performers with demonstrations and subtitles in six languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and French).

The program booklet, which serves as a guide for viewing the show, includes the story, background, and character introductions of the performance in the six languages, which was helpful in understanding the play.

Later, the students made comments on the program. "I don't usually visit Noh by myself, so this was a good opportunity for me to encounter the traditional Japanese performing art of Noh." "Although there were some parts difficult to understand, I was glad to be able to touch and feel the world of Noh." "I would like to come again privately.

We hope that this was an opportunity for international students to become interested in and familiar with traditional Japanese culture.

Back to article list