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Tag: Yarai Noh Theater

Yarai Noh Theater
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Good News for Noh Beginners: Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024 Recommended Event #2 Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo

By ninjakotan

Good News for Noh Beginners: Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024 Recommended Event #2 Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo     Beginner-Friendly Noh Events Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo The Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024, held in Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka from Saturday, October 12th to Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, features a variety of events. Among them, we would like to introduce events related to our traditional cultural experience tours and other recommended activities. The second event we’d like to highlight is Yarai Noh Theater. At Yarai Noh Theater, three events are scheduled: “Kanze Kyukokai October Regular Performance” (Sunday, October 13th), “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special” (Friday, November 1st), and “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House” (Sunday, November 3rd, National Holiday). We especially recommend the two events, “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special” and “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater: Open House,” for beginners in Tokyo.      An Ideal Introduction to Noh: English Subtitles and Exclusive Photo Opportunity The “First-Time Yarai Noh Theater Special” is an introductory performance with explanations, perfect for those seeing Noh for the first time or beginners. On the day of the event, special tablets with explanations for Japanese and English subtitles will be available for rent. There will be approximately 70 tablets,read moreGood News for Noh Beginners: Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa 2024 Recommended Event #2 Yarai Noh Theater in Tokyo

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Do You Know Why Pine Trees Are Depicted on Noh Stages?

By ninjakotan

The Connection Between Bonsai and Noh Theater   The Symbolism of Pine Trees on Noh Stages Pine trees are always prominently depicted on Noh stages. When you enter a Noh theater, the first thing that catches your eye is the large pine tree painted at the back of the stage. Have you ever wondered what this pine tree means? In fact, the pine tree has a deep historical and cultural significance. Whether it’s Noh or Kyogen, a graceful or tragic play, the audience always watches the performers against the backdrop of the pine tree. The board with the painted pine tree is called the “Kagami-ita” (mirror board), and it is one of the stage props. At the Yarai Noh Theater in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, a magnificent pine tree is also depicted on the Kagami-ita. Performing for the Gods: The Role of the Kagami-ita with the Pine Tree The name “Kagami-ita” is generally explained in connection with the “Yogo Pine” of Kasuga Taisha in Nara. “Yogo” refers to the descent of deities to the earthly realm. The pine tree, which is considered the incarnation of Kasuga Myojin, exists beside the audience, and the Kagami-ita mirrors this, implying that the actors on stageread moreDo You Know Why Pine Trees Are Depicted on Noh Stages?

CategoriesExperience

Exploring the World of Noh—Differences Between Noh and Modern Performing Arts

By ninjakotan

Exploring the World of Noh—Differences Between Noh and Modern Performing Arts   Introduction Noh is one of Japan’s most ancient traditional arts, featuring mystical roles and unique expressions. In this blog, we delve deep into the allure of Noh, explaining its features, roles, and schools.   Representative Roles The Noh stage showcases a variety of roles. There are approximately 240 pieces in the repertoire, with about 120 performed regularly. Noh plots are simple, and the characters are typified. For example, roles include the elegant spirits of men and women from classics like “The Tale of Genji” and “The Tales of Ise,” spirits of warriors who died in the “Genpei War” recounted in “The Tale of the Heike,” and suffering spirits of men and women who have fallen to hell. Additionally, there are spirits of plants like pine and cherry trees, various deities, celestial maidens, tengu, and demons. These entities appear on the human plane and interact with us.  About the Shite-kata In Noh, the main character is called “Shite.” The Shite dominates the stage with their beautiful costumes, masks, and captivating dances. Actors of the Shite-kata typically play the Shite and its auxiliary roles and also take part in theread moreExploring the World of Noh—Differences Between Noh and Modern Performing Arts

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Traditional Performing Arts Festival “Kagurazaka Street Stage, Oedo Tour 2024” Concludes Successfully

By ninjakotan

Traditional Performing Arts Festival “Kagurazaka Street Stage, Oedo Tour 2024” Concludes Successfully     A Record Number of Attendees at the Traditional Performing Arts Festival “Kagurazaka Street Stage, Oedo Tour 2024” The Traditional Performing Arts Festival “Kagurazaka Street Stage, Oedo Tour 2024” was held on Saturday, May 18th, and Sunday, May 19th, and it concluded successfully. The festival saw a record number of attendees, including many foreign spectators, making it a great success. I also participated as a volunteer staff member for both days and had the opportunity to experience the essence of traditional performing arts from within the organization.   The Festival Featured a Variety of Traditional Performances The festival featured a variety of traditional performances, such as Noh at the Yarai Noh Theater in Kagurazaka, “Shinnai Nagashi” of the Shinnai genre, performances by Kagurazaka Geisha, and the “Johana Hikiyama Festival Iori-uta” from Johana, Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture. Street performances included modern arrangements of traditional instruments like the shakuhachi and Tsugaru shamisen, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.  Notably, foreign spectators included not only residents of Japan but also travelers. Initially unsure of what to expect from the performances, many foreign spectators were seen applauding andread moreTraditional Performing Arts Festival “Kagurazaka Street Stage, Oedo Tour 2024” Concludes Successfully

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

Experience Japanese Noh Theater in Shinjuku, Tokyo

By ninjakotan

Experience Japanese Noh Theater in Shinjuku, Tokyo   Starting on April 1st, we launched the premium cultural experience tour “Kagurazaka Refined Wander: Cultural Awakening Around Every Bend,” which includes a visit to Yarai Noh Theater in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo. Here, you can not only observe but also participate in the stage experience. Yarai Noh Theater offers a demonstration of traditional Noh play by skilled performers, lectures about Noh, a tour of the backstage, including a rare viewing of Noh masks, and an opportunity to perform on the Noh stage yourself. Explore Yarai Noh Theater: A National Registered Tangible Cultural Property Yarai Noh Theater was rebuilt in September 1952 and was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (building) by the Japanese government in 2011. It is owned by the public interest corporation Kanze Kyukokai Association and is used for performances and rehearsals of Noh and Kyogen. The structure of the Noh stage includes a main stage measuring 5.4m by 5.4m, a rear seating area that is 2.7m deep, a chorus seating area 2.1m deep, and a bridge path that is 2.1m wide and 6.5m long. There are three pine trees between the bridge path and the audience area, placed toread moreExperience Japanese Noh Theater in Shinjuku, Tokyo

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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

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Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Website Features the “Kagurazaka Refined Wander”

By ninjakotan

Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Website Features the “Kagurazaka Refined Wander” – A Premium Traditional Culture Experience     On April 8, 2024, the General Incorporated Association “Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau” added an article about the “Kagurazaka Refined Wander,” a premium traditional culture experience tour, to its website. The “Kagurazaka Refined Wander” is an enhanced version of the Kagurazaka monitor tour (held on February 20, 2024) initiated by the Shinjuku Charm Creation Council, which was established by the “Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau” to develop and discover the attractions of Shinjuku Ward.   The First and Only Premium Traditional Culture Experience in Kagurazaka The “Kagurazaka Refined Wander,” themed “Cultural Awakening Around Every Bend,” aims to introduce foreigners to the premium traditional culture experience around Kagurazaka and revitalize crafts and culture. The tour is planned by “Ikimachi Co., Ltd.” and sold by our company, “EDO KAGURA.” Thanks to the network and credibility of “Ikimachi,” built over more than 20 years of community development in Kagurazaka, we have realized this first-of-its-kind traditional crafts and culture experience tour not available for general sale. The Contents of ‘Kagurazaka Refined Wander’ The “Kagurazaka Refined Wander” includes a variety of activities: 1) A visit andread moreShinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Website Features the “Kagurazaka Refined Wander”