[Page of 3] Noh | TATE: The Diary of a Japanese Man

2022-07-24

Toru is one of my favorite Noh plays

The other day, I saw a Noh play called “Toru” at Kanze Noh theater in Tokyo. Toru is one of my favorite Noh plays. In general, Noh plays are thought of as profound abstract dramas. So, Noh plays aren’t popular in Japan at all. Many Japanese people say, “I cannot understand Noh plays”. They try to understand Noh plays by...

Culture

2022-05-07

The Hannya mask shows complicated emotions mixed with anger and sadness

“Aoi no Ue” is a masterpiece in terms of Noh plays. The ”Hannya mask” (female demon mask) is well known as the most representative Noh mask, and it is used in Aoi no Ue. This is because it was believed that women could be demonized through a jealous rage. The Hannya mask is used as a symbol of the female...

Culture

2022-04-17

“Suma-genji” was like a dream seen during a spring night

The season has completely changed to spring. The other day, I saw a Noh play called “Suma-genji”. Suma-genji is based on some classical literature that is characteristic of Japan, and it is known as ”The Tale of Genji”. I felt that Suma-genji symbolized the spring moon. The spring mist is characteristic of Japan. Because of that, the moon in springtime...

Culture

2022-03-06

“ADACHIGAHARA” was a splendid harmony of the Noh play and classical music

I saw an unheard-of Noh play at Kanze Noh theater, in Ginza. The title was “ADACHIGAHARA”. It was a joint performance that included classical music. Typically, a Noh play consists of Noh actors as well as a chorus and accompaniment(a shoulder-drum, a hip-drum, a flute, and a stick-drum). But, in that joint performance, a violin, a clarinet, and a soprano...

Culture

2022-02-13

The charm of Wa-toji style

These are my Noh chant books called, Utai-bon. Today, most books in Japan are bound using a Western-style binding machine. But Utai-bon is bounded in the traditional Japanese style called, Wa-toji. In addition, it is done by hand. Utai-bon is essential for me because I often go to see Noh plays. Because of that, I can grasp the content of...

Crafts

Tag: Noh

Toru is one of my favorite Noh plays

The Hannya mask shows complicated emotions mixed with anger and sadness

“Suma-genji” was like a dream seen during a spring night

“ADACHIGAHARA” was a splendid harmony of the Noh play and classical music

The charm of Wa-toji style