The Basic Knowledge to Enjoy "Noh"❖Japanese traditional arts✪How to Japan TV

Summary

This video introduces Noh, a traditional Japanese performing art that has been practiced for over 650 years. Highlighting its UNESCO designation as an intangible cultural heritage, the video covers the history of Noh, its performance structure, roles, and musical instruments. It explains the distinct types of Noh plays, the characters involved, and the unique elements of the Noh stage. Additionally, the video explores the significance of costumes and the experience of attending a Noh performance, inviting viewers to discover this captivating art form.

Takeaways

• 😀 Noh is a traditional Japanese performing art, alongside Kabuki, with a 650-year history.
• 😀 Noh performances are unique because the protagonist wears a mask known as a Noh mask.
• 😀 Noh was developed from ancient Chinese and Japanese arts and has evolved through centuries of dance, song, and storytelling.
• 😀 Noh is an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO.
• 😀 There are over 200 Noh plays, categorized into five groups based on the protagonist's role.
• 😀 The five categories of Noh plays are: Waki-Noh (Gods), Shura-Mono (Warriors), Kazura-Mono (Women), Zouno (Various subjects), and Kirino (Non-human beings).
• 😀 The roles of Noh characters include the Shite (protagonist), Waki (opposite character), Tsure (supporting role), Wakitsure (Waki's supporting role), and Ai kyogen (interlude performer).
• 😀 The supporting performers who are not characters include Kouken (stage helpers), Jiutai (chorus), and Hayashi (musicians).
• 😀 The Noh stage has a distinctive layout, divided into the Main stage, Side stage, Rear part, and Bridge passageway.
• 😀 The audience seating in a Noh theater is arranged into sections: Front, Middle Front, and Side seating, each offering different viewing experiences and price points.

Q & A

What is Noh, and what makes it unique among traditional Japanese performing arts?

Noh is a traditional Japanese performing art that is unique for its use of masks, particularly the Noh mask worn by the protagonist. It is also distinguished by its refined style, blending dance, song, and drama, with a history of over 650 years.

What is the historical origin of Noh?

Noh originated in China around the 6th or 7th century and later evolved by integrating with ancient Japanese arts, dances, and songs. Over time, it developed into the form we know today.

How has Noh been preserved over time despite challenges?

Noh has faced significant challenges throughout its history, but it has been preserved thanks to the efforts of people passionate about the art, who worked to transmit it to future generations.

What are the five main types of Noh, based on the protagonist?

The five main types of Noh are: Waki-Noh Mono (God protagonist), Shura-Mono (warrior protagonist), Kazura-Mono (woman protagonist), Zouno (varied subjects), and Kirino (non-human creature protagonist).

What roles do the different characters play in a Noh performance?

The main characters include: Shite (protagonist, often a supernatural being), Tsure (supporting actor to the Shite), Waki (opposite of Shite, playing human roles), Wakitsure (supporting role to Waki), and Ai Kyogen (plays an interlude role).

What is the role of Kouken in a Noh performance?

Kouken are assistants who help with costume changes, stage props, and sometimes stand in for the Shite if necessary. They play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the performance.

What are the roles of Jiutai and Hayashi in Noh performances?

Jiutai is the chorus of Noh, composed of eight members who chant to express the scene's situation and the character's emotions. Hayashi consists of four musicians who provide the musical accompaniment, including flute and drums.

How is the Noh stage structured, and what are the different seating arrangements?

The Noh stage has four main areas: the main stage, side stage, rear part, and bridge passageway. Audience seating is divided into three sections: 'Front' (best view, expensive), 'Middle Front' (good overall view, cheaper), and 'Side Seating' (close-up view, lower price).

What is the significance of the Noh mask, and who typically wears it?

The Noh mask is a symbol of the protagonist's role, with the Shite often wearing it to represent gods, ghosts, or supernatural beings. Tsure, the supporting actor, may also wear a mask in some performances.

What makes the experience of watching Noh different depending on the seating position?

The experience of watching Noh varies depending on the seating section. The 'Front' offers the best view, 'Middle Front' provides a good overall perspective but may have some obstructions, and 'Side Seating' offers a closer view of actors entering from the side.