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Tag: Yarai Noh Theater

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

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

CategoriesExperience

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”