Senshuraku: The Connection Between Noh and Sumo
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 The seats where the bride and groom sit at the wedding reception are called “Takasago seats,” which derives from the Noh play “Takasago.” “Takasago” is based on the legend of the pine trees at Takasago Shrine (Hyogo Prefecture) and Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka Prefecture, a national treasure), known as “Aioi no Matsu” or “Twin Pines.” These pines are male and female trees growing from the same root, symbolizing unity. 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