17 July 2024
A Guide to Traditional Japanese Performing Arts: Noh and Kabuki
By courtesy of Hosho Noh Theater
Japan boasts an array of traditional performing arts that deeply embody its history and culture. Recognized as important expressions of Japan’s vibrant heritage, some of these arts are honored as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Within this rich tapestry of theatrical artistry, we delve into the captivating worlds of Noh and Kabuki. Discover their origins, find tips for newcomers to appreciate these treasured art forms, and learn about renowned theaters.
Contents
- The Origin of Noh and Kabuki
- How to Enjoy Noh and Kabuki
- Where Can You Watch Noh and Kabuki in Tokyo?
The Origins of Noh and Kabuki
By courtesy of Hosho Noh Theater
Established in the 14th century, Noh is one of Japan's oldest traditional performing arts, characterized by song and dance. Accompanied by instrumental music featuring flutes and percussion, it also includes a vocal style known as utai, chanting. A distinct aspect of Noh is that the principal actors often portray ghosts and spirits. The acting and staging are highly sophisticated, with every movement of the actors carrying deep significance.
Kabuki originated in the early 17th century. Kabuki plays often focus on historical events and moral dilemmas within romantic relationships. The actors deliver their lines in stylized voices, accompanied by traditional musical instruments. A notable feature of Kabuki is the presence of male actors who assume female roles. Named onnagata, these actors do not merely portray female characters; they embody unique theatrical creations developed over centuries.
How to Enjoy Noh and Kabuki
Here are some insightful tips to elevate your enjoyment of Noh and Kabuki performances
Know the Storyline in Advance
The first tip to enjoying Noh is to review the synopsis beforehand. Please check online for the English version of the Noh play synopsis.
By courtesy of Hosho Noh Theater
Masks
The masks worn by the performers frequently represent demons and spirits, as well as women and men of various ages. The masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. Skilled actors can elicit various expressions by changing the orientation of the mask.
By courtesy of Hosho Noh Theater
Find One Thing That Captivates Your Heart
Finding an element that truly captivates your heart will significantly enrich your experience of watching Noh. There are many elements of a Noh performance that may spark your intrigue: the intricately designed masks, the exquisite costumes, the resonant chanting, the deliberate movement and the very staging itself. Each aspect has the potential to deepen your appreciation.
By courtesy of Hosho Noh Theater
Enjoy with an Open Heart
Rather than approaching with an intent to understand and analyze, allow yourself to experience emotions instinctively. Envision your visit to a Noh theater as akin to strolling through an art gallery or attending a concert hall. Immerse yourself in the music and the performance, and deeply engage with your emotions.
By courtesy of Hosho Noh Theater
Makeup
The actors apply their own makeup, often adding patterns to their faces. This special makeup is called kumadori. Red kumadori symbolizes strength, blue represents evil and brown depicts supernatural creatures, such as demons
The image on the right is for illustrative purposes only./ColBase (https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/TG-2478?locale=ja)
Acting Technique: Mie
During a Kabuki performance, the actors may suddenly move in slow motion. This deliberate pause, referred to as mie, involves the striking of a powerful pose by characters, vividly externalizing intense emotions or conflicts in a dramatic way. This expressive posture is accentuated by the resonant beats of wooden clappers, hyoshigi in Japanese, enhancing the theatrical effect.
Stage Settings: Hanamichi
In Kabuki theaters, a distinctive walkway known as the hanamichi stretches directly through the audience from the left side of the stage. This pathway facilitates the dramatic entrances and exits of the actors. For those desiring a closer view of the performers, it is advisable to select seats adjacent to the hanamichi on the first floor.
A Fulfilling Intermission
Kabuki performances customarily feature both a matinee and an evening show, each extending approximately four hours, inclusive of intermissions called makuai. These breaks allow the audience to purchase bento boxes within the venue, enjoy a meal at the theater’s restaurant, or buy unique Kabuki merchandise.
Single Act Seats
For first-time Kabuki viewers looking to experience just a portion of a performance, the hitomaku-miseki, single-act seats, are suggested. These seats are economical but situated far from the stage, so bringing binoculars is advisable. Check each theater's website for the availability of tickets.
Where Can You Watch Noh and Kabuki in Tokyo?
The above image is for illustrative purposes only.
In Tokyo, there are several Noh theaters, such as the National Noh Theatre near Sendagaya Station, the Kanze Noh Theater in Ginza and the Hosho Noh Theatre in Suidobashi.
At the National Noh Theatre in Sendagaya, a small screen is placed on the back of the seat in front of you, allowing you to watch the performance with subtitles. In addition to Japanese, other languages such as English can be selected.
For those interested in watching Noh performances, please check the performance schedule online.
The Kabukiza Theatre/The above image is for illustrative purposes only.
In Tokyo, there are Kabuki performances almost every day. If you want to watch Kabuki in Tokyo, the famous theaters are the National Theatre in Sendagaya, the Kabukiza Theatre and Shinbashi Enbujo in Ginza.
The National Theatre is closed for renovations and expected to reopen in the fall of 2029. Performances will be held at other theaters during the closure. Check the website of the National Theater.
The Kabuki Web is a useful English website for overseas travelers planning to visit Japan. It provides information in English about Kabuki performance schedules and how to enjoy Kabuki. Additionally, it facilitates the reservation and purchase of Kabuki tickets in English.
Japan's traditional performing arts, particularly Noh and Kabuki, have long captivated audiences with their unique aesthetics and expressive depth. These art forms serve as key avenues for understanding the profound culture and history of Japan. By delving deeper into the intricacies of the techniques and the beauty of the performances, you can gain a deeper appreciation of their enduring appeal.
