Noh theater. What is expressed without sound.
It stops time and deeply stirs the heart.
In Noh theater, there are moments when the audience holds its breath in silence, and nothing seems to be happening on stage. However, it is precisely this “nothingness” that is the core of the art form that Noh theater has cherished, the existence of “ma(pause)”.
A performing art with over 600 years of history.
Noh is one of Japan's representative traditional performing arts, with a history of over 600 years. Its most distinctive feature is not flashy movements or extravagant performances, but rather the “ma” (pause) that has been pared down to the absolute minimum.
When the performers stop moving, the audience unconsciously tries to sense what will happen next. This moment of silence creates a powerful tension and concentration between the audience and the stage, bringing invisible emotions and stories to the surface.
Additionally, Noh theater is deeply connected to ancient views of nature and Japanese Zen philosophy, reflecting a cultural background that values “non-existence.” By experiencing a Noh performance, we are reminded of how rich and powerful “silence” can be.
It is a silent art that opens the hearts of viewers and guides their imagination.
Read more
Tips for accepting diversity and living together. The Ainu are an indigenous people who have lived in Hokkaido, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands since ancient times.The word “Ainu” means “human bein...
Let yourself be carried away by the rhythm, and experience the bonds and smiles created by Awa Odori. Awa Odori, which originated in Tokushima Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's three major bon...