Did you know that one of the only five Noh theaters in Japan registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo? As part of the 2024 Kagurazaka Machitobi Festa (October 12 to November 3, 2024), a free viewing event will be held at Yarai Noh Theater on November 3. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!
What is Noh? World’s Oldest Traditional Performing Art
Noh is the world’s oldest traditional performing art, with a history of over 700 years. It greatly influenced later Japanese art, such as Bunraku puppet theater, Kabuki, and even modern artistic expressions. Noh is a collective term for two forms of theater: Noh and Kyogen. It has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
What is a Noh Theater?
A Noh theater is a dedicated venue for the performance of Noh (Noh plays and Kyogen). It has a distinctive structure and atmosphere. Unlike typical theaters, there is no curtain separating the stage and the audience; instead, the stage is open with a roof overhead. This design reflects the origins of Noh, which was historically performed outdoors.
When Noh was first performed, there were no microphones or spotlights. Some Noh theaters still preserve the original sound effects. For instance, a large jar is placed beneath the stage to enhance the acoustics. Performances are often lit using natural light, allowing the audience to feel the actors’ movements and presence up close.
The History of Noh Stages
In the past, various traditional Japanese performing arts were commonly staged in temple and shrine grounds, surrounded by audiences on all sides. Noh performances were also adapted to these open-air environments. An illustration from a 1464 Noh stage shows a square stage encircled by audience seats, with a bridge (Hashigakari) extending from the back of the stage to the backstage area. The addition of the mirror board (Kagami-ita) and the rear stage area (atoza) to the main stage dates back to the late 16th century during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s era. By the Genroku period (late 17th century), the Noh stage structure had evolved into a form similar to what we see today.
The first modern Noh theater, where the stage and audience seats were enclosed within one building, was built in 1881 in Shiba Park, Tokyo.
Structure of the Noh Stage
The Noh stage consists of the main stage and the bridge (Hashigakari). Its three main features are: ① the stage is square, ② there is a bridge, and ③ the stage extends into the audience area. These features have remained unchanged over the centuries. Unlike typical theaters that have a proscenium-style stage (like a framed painting or a movie screen), the Noh stage offers a different experience. Apart from the pine tree painted on the mirror board, there are no other decorations or stage sets, highlighting its simple and timeless beauty.
Yarai Noh Theater Viewing Event
A special viewing event will be held on November 3 (Sunday, public holiday) at Yarai Noh Theater, which is a registered National Tangible Cultural Property. There are only five Noh theaters in Japan with this designation, and Yarai Noh Theater is the only one in Tokyo, making it an exceptionally rare and valuable cultural site.
On the day of the event, there will be mini-exhibitions of Noh costumes and masks, as well as explanations about Noh given every hour on the hour. Visitors are free to come and go during the event, allowing them to experience the beauty and history of Noh up close. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional arts, so be sure to visit!
Date: November 3 (Sunday, public holiday) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Yarai Noh Theater (60 Yaraicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
We look forward to welcoming you to this special event!
Book Each Experience
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
Comments