Arts

A combination of music, dance, and poetry, Noh theater dates back to the 14th century, making it the oldest dramatic form in Japan. The performances are based on ancient myths and often feature a supernatural being who has taken human form to narrate the story. Many performances are technically nogaku, which is a combination of Noh and kyogen. The latter is a type of comic theater performed during the intermission. There are several places where you can see Noh performances in Kansai. 1. Yamamoto Noh Theater Right next to Osaka Castle is Yamamoto Noh Theater. This is an ideal location to see a performance because Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Osaka Castle, was deeply involved in the world of Noh, even acting himself. The original theater was constructed in 1921, but it was destroyed in the war. The building that stands today dates back to 1950 and is smaller, with seating for 109 people and floor cushions for 115 more. Materials in English, Chinese, and Korean are available to foreign visitors to help them understand the performances. To learn more, you can also participate in workshops, take tours, and attend lectures. 2. Ohtsuki Noh Theater Another option next to Osaka Castle…