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Tag: Kagurazaka

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Do You Know About Komainu (Guardian Lion-Dogs)? The Rare Komainu of Kagurazaka, Shinjuku

By ninjakotan

Do You Know About Komainu (Guardian Lion-Dogs)? The Rare Komainu of Kagurazaka, Shinjuku   The Komainu in the “Kaga Hakusan dog” style at Akagi Shrine What Are Komainu (Guardian Lion-Dogs)? Are you familiar with the many Komainu (guardian lion-dogs) found at Shinto shrines? The Komainu of Kagurazaka in Shinjuku are rare and unique, so we’d like to introduce them to you. Be sure to visit the Komainu of Kagurazaka.  The Komainu of Kanda Myojin Shrine The History and Significance of Komainu: Guardians of Japanese Shrines Komainu are believed to ward off evil spirits and serve as guardians at the front of shrines. Although called “dogs,” they are actually lion-like mythical creatures. The origin of Komainu is said to be Egypt or India. According to one theory, they came to Japan through the Silk Road, via China and Korea, hence the name “Koma-inu” (Korean dog). The Komainu at the Nandaimon gate of Todai-ji Temple is considered the oldest stone Komainu in Japan, dating back to 1196. They became widespread across Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). Notably, Ise Jingu Shrine does not have Komainu due to its ancient traditions, although it is said that there may be wooden Komainu stored withinread moreDo You Know About Komainu (Guardian Lion-Dogs)? The Rare Komainu of Kagurazaka, Shinjuku

CategoriesExperience

Those Who Appreciate the World of Stone Gardens, Zen, and Tea Ceremony Can Fully Enjoy Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

By ninjakotan

Those Who Appreciate the World of Stone Gardens, Zen, and Tea Ceremony Can Fully Enjoy Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem       Kagurazaka: The Most Recommended District by Shinjuku Residents Kagurazaka is a hidden gem in Tokyo, known among those in the know. However, it ranks as the number one spot that Shinjuku residents recommend to their friends, acquaintances, and foreign tourists visiting Shinjuku. It topped the list in the category of “Festivals & Events” and ranked second in “Nature, Parks & Streetscapes” and “Commercial, Dining & Entertainment Facilities.” Kagurazaka is the only district that ranked in the top five in all six survey categories (Source: Shinjuku Autonomous Creation Research Institute’s “Study of the Charm of Shinjuku’s Towns”). Nevertheless, tourists are not commonly seen in Kagurazaka even today.   Kagurazaka, A Hidden Gem In Tokyo, Lacks Famous Buildings But Offers A World Of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ This hidden gem of Tokyo, “Kagurazaka,” lacks grand castles or national treasure-level shrines and temples. Unlike Asakusa’s Kaminarimon or Sensō-ji, Tokyo Tower, or Skytree, there are no well-known buildings to photograph, which is one reason tourists may stay away. However, those who understand the symbolic Japanese culture of “Wabi-sabi” can thoroughly enjoy the tourism in Kagurazaka.read moreThose Who Appreciate the World of Stone Gardens, Zen, and Tea Ceremony Can Fully Enjoy Kagurazaka, Tokyo’s Hidden Gem

CategoriesExperience

The Role of Noh in Creating a Common Language in Japan

By ninjakotan

The Role of Noh in Creating a Common Language in Japan   Introduction Recently, I had the pleasure of hearing an intriguing story from Mr. Keigo Suzuki, a Noh performer at the Yarai Noh Theatre in Kagurazaka. I am excited to share this story with all of you.   The History of Noh Noh theatre originated from the Sarugaku, which was introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period (710-794) and was fully developed by Kan’ami and Zeami, a father-son duo, during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Initially, Noh was a form of entertainment performed at temple and shrine festivals for the general populace. However, it gradually gained the favor of the warrior and noble classes, especially after receiving the patronage of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The Samurai’s Fondness for Noh During the era of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Noh became widely accepted in samurai society. Influential figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu also protected and personally performed Noh. This made Noh an integral part of samurai society, used not only for entertainment but also for social and information exchanges. Additionally, a cultural background requiring knowledge of classical Japanese poetry and literature deepened the understanding and appreciation of Noh.   The Protectionread moreThe Role of Noh in Creating a Common Language in Japan

CategoriesExperience

Noh Experience for Beginners in Tokyo—Delving into the Charm of Noh and Kyogen

By ninjakotan

Noh Experience for Beginners in Tokyo—Delving into the Charm of Noh and Kyogen     About Noh and Kyogen, Together Known as Nohgaku Nohgaku, Japan’s prestigious traditional stage art, comprises two elements: Noh and Kyogen. Having been continuously performed for over 650 years since the Muromachi period, it has enjoyed the patronage of samurai and feudal lords. Noh is a mystical musical drama, while Kyogen depicts people’s everyday lives with humor. Both forms were cherished by historical figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and today, they are registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, receiving high acclaim both domestically and internationally.   What is Noh Noh is a highly refined form of Japanese traditional theater, performed with song (utai) and instrumental music (hayashi). Noh plays often draw from classical literature and is characterized by using Noh masks to depict otherworldly realms. Characters include not only humans but also gods, demons, spirits, and mythical beings whose interactions with the human world are central to the plot. Performers use highly stylized movements to convey the narrative, employing masks and costumes to leave a lasting impression on the audience. The Noh stage, unique in its construction, appears simple but is laden withread moreNoh Experience for Beginners in Tokyo—Delving into the Charm of Noh and Kyogen

CategoriesExperience

Kotonoha Noh Vol.3 at Yarai Noh Theater: An Enjoyable Experience for the Visually Impaired

By ninjakotan

Kotonoha Noh Vol.3 at Yarai Noh Theater: An Enjoyable Experience for the Visually Impaired   Making Yarai Noh Theater Accessible to Visually Impaired Individuals I attended “Kotonoha Noh Vol.3” at Yarai Noh Theater 2 days ago. This performance, orchestrated by the nonprofit organization Ichino-kai, led by Representative Director Keigo Suzuki, was designed to be accessible for visually impaired individuals. Braille materials were sent out beforehand, allowing those with visual impairments to familiarize themselves with the performance in advance, making the experience more enjoyable and understandable. Those with sight also received translations in contemporary language to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Noh performance.     Performance of ‘Hachinoki,’ The Origin of ‘On to Kamakura’ The program featured the story “Hachinoki,” which inspired the phrase “Iza Kamakura (On to Kamakura).” It was presented both as a narrative and through a Noh performance. Master storyteller Ichiryusai Teikitsu delivered the narrative, and Keigo Suzuki played the leading role in the Noh performance. “Hachinoki” is a celebrated piece from the Kamakura period, favored even by Tokugawa Ieyasu, depicting a samurai’s loyalty. The plot is as follows: Hojo Tokiyori, the fifth regent of the Kamakura shogunate, disguises himself as a traveling monk to survey theread moreKotonoha Noh Vol.3 at Yarai Noh Theater: An Enjoyable Experience for the Visually Impaired