< Noh Plays > Reaching its perfection about 650 years ago, nohgaku (noh) is said to be the oldest existing theatrical performance, and is also Japan’s first Intangible Cultural Heritage designated by UNESCO. In addition to the performance itself, each noh mask or costume also attracts the audience with its artistic excellence. The origin of noh is a performing art called "sarugaku", which later differentiated into noh and kyogen. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), noh underwent dramatic evolution, which was made possible by Kan’ami and his son Ze’ami under the patronage of the shogun. During the Edo period (1603–1867), noh was recognized as “shikigaku (official ceremonial art)” for ceremonies of the Tokugawa shogunate, which led to the employment of in-house noh performers by each daimyo (feudal lord). Noh temporarily declined after the Meiji period (from 1868) as it lost the patronage of samurai warriors due to their abolition. But the decline also meant an opportunity for noh to make a fresh start, now with the support of the general public. Noh is often considered to be something too profound and hard to approach, but it is actually an art of enjoying the imagination. Imagine each scene in your heart and mind, and appreciate what is unsaid and what lingers afterwards. (Noh and Osaka) Military commander TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi, who built Osaka Castle, was such a devoted fan of noh that he practiced it to perform in front of the emperor or feudal lords. He also commissioned several plays about his own achievements in which he played the lead himself.

Organized & Sponsored by Yamamoto Nohgakudo Association, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industy & City of Osaka, in cooperation with Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau Copyright (C) 2008-2009 Yamamoto Nohgakudo Association All Right Reserved.