Past events

Discover / Kokaji

We explored the story of a popular noh play called Kokaji in which the legendary tenth-century swordsmith Sanjo “Kokaji” Munechika forges a sword for the emperor with the help of the Inari Deity.

Discover Noh in Kyoto – Next Generation

Students were invited to explore the noh play Kokaji, a story of the Inari Deity and the legendary swordsmith Munechika. Witness the rich tradition of noh, both on and off the stage, in Kyoto. See the video documentary made at the end of the project.

Discover Noh in Kyoto 6 Elegant Ghosts of Japan – a Noh theatre experience at a winter temple in Kyoto

Noh plays portray a world where the boundaries of past, present, and future blur. In this singular environment, the ghosts of courtiers and warriors, natural elements and demons appear and share nostalgic memories of their attachments and seek for solace. In this performance spirits and ghosts of the Noh repertory will manifest themselves through chant, dance, and music. Come share this unique chance to experience Noh theater in the intimate context of a Buddhist temple. Featuring: Kawamura Haruhisa, Miyamoto Shigeki Udaka Tatsushige, Udaka Norishige​Musicians: Morita Yasuyoshi, Kichisaka Ichirō Taniguchi Masatoshi, Inoue Keisuke​Advisor: Diego Pellecchia (Kyoto Sangyo University) Noh actors Photo by Morozumi Akio Pre -performance tour 2-hour walking tour exploring Kyoto. Starting with a visit to a hill-top shrine on Funaoka-yama, followed by a walk through the narrow streets of the Nishijin textile district to a Noh costume weaver’s studio where you will have a look at sumptuous Noh costume brocades, offering some background information about Noh and Japanese aesthetics before arriving at the venue for the performance. The tour will be conducted by a Kyoto Visitor’s Host certified guide.

Discover Noh in Kyoto 5 Omote : the many faces of noh

Noh is one of the world’s oldest performing arts. One of its key features is the use of masks, exquisite works of art which achieve their full potential when used on stage. Currently, there are over 200 types of noh masks. In this event, we will explore the many faces of noh masks, trying to uncover their mystery.

COURSE: Interpreting Noh masks
This course aims at providing its participants with a working knowledge of noh theatre in English. The course is open to anyone interested in noh, in particular to those who wish to guide foreign guests to a noh performance, or to interpret a workshop by a noh performer.

Selected participants will act as interpreters on the March 20th event Omote: the many faces of noh.

Discover Noh in Kyoto 4 The Robe of Feathers: discovering Noh costumes through the play Hagoromo

Noh theatre is known for its lavish costumes, woven using traditional techniques and precious materials such as silk and gold thread. This event of the Discover NOH in Kyoto series will introduce costumes through one of the most iconic plays in the Noh repertoire: Hagoromo (‘The Robe of Feathers’).​The event will be held in Japanese with English interpretation by attendees of the Discover Noh in Kyoto autumn course.

This course aims at providing its participants with a working knowledge of noh theatre in English. The course is open to anyone interested in noh, in particular to those who wish to guide foreign guests to a noh performance, or to interpret a workshop by a noh performer. 

Selected participants will act as interpreters on the October 25th event “The Robe of Feathers: discovering noh costumes through the play Hagoromo”.