Senshuraku: The Connection Between Noh and Sumo
Did you know that there is a deep connection between Noh and Sumo? This connection is rooted in the Noh play “Takasago,” which has been sung at Japanese weddings for centuries.
The Connection Between Takasago and Weddings
In the first half of the play, the spirits of the pines from Takasago Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha appear as an old couple and narrate the story of the twin pines. In the second half, the god Sumiyoshi Myojin appears and dances gracefully. Over time, it became customary to sing a passage from “Takasago” at weddings, with the wish that the bride and groom will always be as close as the twin pines.
“Takasago ya
Kono ura fune ni ho wo agete
Kono ura fune ni ho wo agete
Tsuki morotomo ni ideshio no
Nami no Awaji no shimakage ya
Tooku Naruo no oki sugite
Haya Suminoe ni tsukinikeru
Haya Suminoe ni tsukinikeru”
After setting sail from Takasago Bay,
With the moon above, at the rising tide,
Through the foamy waves past Awaji’s isle,
Leaving distant Naruo far behind,
Swiftly, we reached the shores of Suminoe.
The Final Day of Sumo, Senshuraku, Originates from the Noh Play ‘Takasago
Noh has a history spanning over 600 years, while sumo’s history is said to exceed 1,500 years. The fact that these two long-standing traditions are connected through the term “Senshuraku” in the Noh play “Takasago” is fascinating.
At our company, we offer various “experiences” at Yarai Noh Theater in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku. These include: ① A demonstration of a shimai (Noh dance) by a Noh actor and a mini-lecture on Noh, ② A tour of Yarai Noh Theater, including backstage areas and viewing precious Noh masks, ③ The opportunity to step onto the Noh stage and try a Shimai yourself. These are custom-made private tour experiences, allowing you to experience all or part of these activities.
While renting out Ryogoku Kokugikan, where grand Sumo tournaments are held, is difficult, renting out Yarai Noh Theater is possible. Experiencing a Shimai or trying one yourself, performed by a genuine Noh actor in the Yarai Noh Theater, a registered national tangible cultural property in Japan, would be a luxurious and unforgettable experience.
