Introduction to Noh

    Noh depicts deep inside of human mind obsessed with sorrow, anger, regret, desire, bliss, etc. in relation to karma or destiny. Emotions of characters are expressed by dance with smooth motions, subtle gestures and simple ensemble of instruments and recitations so that the audiences can stretch their imagination further. However, Noh is difficult to understand even for Japanese people since it was established for highly cultured people 600 years ago and is recited in old Japanese language. Therefore some outlines and verses are introduced here in English for Noh lovers in the world.
     The following pieces were televised by NHK in the past. The host of this page can show you the recorded program via Zoom upon your request.

• Koi no omoni - This is a story describing woe and animosity of an old man who fell in love with a beautiful and noble woman. Although people say class and status cannot prevent love, there were too much gaps in status and age between these two. The terrible tragedy starts when the consort offers him hope which he should not have.


• Ema - Amaterasu Omikami appears accompanied by two gods, Ameno-Uzume-no-mikoto and Tajikarao-no-mikoto, and they perform three types of mai; Chu-no-mai, Kagura, and Kamimai, while re-enacting the mythic story of “Amano Iwato.” They laud the tranquil land and the peaceful reign of the entire realm. It is not so common to be able to watch three types of mai in one piece of noh play.


• Yashima - The two battle scenes, the battle at Yashima and the battle in the realm of asura, are portrayed in Nochiba. The former depicts the samurai spirit of Yoshitsune which values the fame of warrior rather than his life. Through the battle in the realm of asura, the destiny of Yoshitsune who is tortured by the obsession of warrior is depicted in the contrast structure between the ocean and the land, the present and the past, and the real world and the realm of asura. (Aired by NHK TV on Feb 10, 2017)


• Izutsu - As Zeami himself praised Izutsu as his best work, it is undoubtedly one of the masterpieces of the mugen-noh style which refers to an entire play made up of a dream or illusion. The author Zeami plotted out the story of Izutsu from the story of “Tsutsu-izutsu,” the twenty-third story in Ise Monogatari (Tale of Ise), and set the main characters over Ariwara no Narihira and the daughter of Ki no Aritsune. The daughter of Aritsune is supposed to be a woman waiting intently for faithless Narihira. (Aired by NHK on Dec. 20, 2013)


• Sanemori - The principle of samurai that makes much of his name is expressed by the attitude of Sanemori who wore a red brocaded hitatare-style kimono when he went to battle in his homeland and dyed his hair and beard black not to be underestimated as an old warrior. In contrast to his heroic and determined personality, this play sadly and pitifully describes the final moments of Sanemori, who is slowly losing his strength and withering like a dead tree. (Aired by NHK on Aug. 27, 2017)


• Soshi Arain - This play is not based on the historical fact but is fictionally plotted with the all-star casts of historically famous poets from different periods. Whereas Kuronushi is depicted as an evil man who plots Komachi's downfall, Komachi is described as a poetry master who gets through the difficulty with her quick wit, where audiences get exhilarating feeling. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 1st, 2018)


• Kasuga Ryujin - The spectacular scene of the appearance of Shakyamuni Buddha, the Eight Great Dragon Kings and their families and retinues is portrayed only by dance of a female dragon and noh chant as if it is ancient virchual reality, where the imagination of the audience must be tested. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 1st, 2013)


• Funa Benkei - The Noh play "Funa Benkei" feachers the elegant dance scene performed by Shizuka-gozen in her farewell party and the intense dance of the ghost of Tomomori in the battle scene against Yoshitsune and Benkei. (Aired by NHK on Feb. 28th, 2021）


• Youchi Soga - The Noh play “Youchi Soga” particularly focuses on the human drama right before and after the act of Soga brother's vengeance upon KUDO Suketsune. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 31st, 2016)


• Kagekiyo - The renowned Heike warrior Kagekiyo has been exiled to the province and now lives off charity of neighbors feeling miserable. He finally gets relieved from his obsession through his narration about the battle at Yashima to his daughter. (Performed at Yokohama Noh Theatre on Oct. 29th, 2016)


• Chikubu-shima - Sarasvati and the dragon deity show the vow to rescue all living creatures from sufferings in the mild and peaceful spring scenery of Lake Biwa and Chikubu-shima Island. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 1st, 2015)


• Makura-Jido (Jido of the headset) - This Noh play describes the story set in ancient China, featuring the character of mysterious Jido, who once served Emperor Mu of the Zhou dynasty. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 23rd, 2015)


• Matsukaze (Wind through the pines) - Although a profound tension of love is expressed, this play feels the refined and restful taste suitable for the third group Noh. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 24, 2010)


• Yoroboshi (Worn out Monk) - The contrast is highlighted between the visible real world and the mental scenery that reflects the inner nature of human. (Performed at Yokohama Noh Theater on Oct. 15, 2017)


• Takasago - The thought put into this play to celebrate the eternal happiness of married couple has been widely beloved by Japanese people and a part of the Takasago verses is a standard chant in the wedding ceremony today. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 1st, 2014)


• Shakkyo (Stone Bridge) - The spectacular and auspicious Noh play situated in ancient China, featuring unique Shishimai dance. (Aired by NHK on Jan. 1st, 2016)


• Kiyotsune - One of the representative plays of Shura-noh written by Zeami, which depicts the afterlives of worriors who spent the most of their lives in battles. (Aired by NHK on Dec. 22nd, 2013)


• Hagoromo - The auspicious and happy piece of Noh play based on the legend of Ceresterial Maiden in Miho-no-Matsubara, featuring the elegant and glorious dance. (Aired by NHK on Apr. 27th, 2014)


• Dojo-ji - One of the outstanding masterpieces of Noh, which is known for Ranbyoshi steps in dance. (Aired by NHK on Apr. 27th, 2014)


• Aoi no Ue (Lady Aoi) - The story was taken after Genji Monogatari but no romantic scene is described in Noh. (Aired by NHK on Oct. 10th, 1975 of which DVD was issued by NHK)