Student Appreciation Program
Information on the Student Appreciation Program
"We want the children of Japan, who will shape the future, to learn about Noh theater!!"
In 2006, the Fundamental Law of Education was amended to explicitly state the importance of respecting Japan's traditional culture, and it is now required to create more opportunities to actively incorporate traditional culture, which is not often encountered in daily life, into the educational setting.
"Welcome to the world of Noh theater!!"
Noh theater is extremely difficult to understand or appreciate if you simply "watch" it without any prior knowledge.
However, with just a little explanation and experience, the "world you see" can change surprisingly. With the desire to let students who will spread their wings in the future know about this wonderful performing art that Japan proudly presents to the world, the General Incorporated Association Kanze-kai is actively engaged in activities to promote Noh to students.
The program is diverse, including "Student Appreciation Noh" at the 25th Kanze Sakon Memorial Kanze Noh Theater (capacity 480 seats) in Ginza, Tokyo, and "Traditional Performing Arts Appreciation Events" held at elementary, junior high, and high schools throughout Japan.
Example of a Noh performance program for students
The program for students to see is not simply a performance of Noh theater; various combinations from the following options are possible.
[A story about Noh theater]
We will share basic knowledge and the appeal of Noh theater from the perspective of a Noh performer.
[Explanation of Masks and Costumes]
We will show you the Noh masks and costumes actually used on stage and provide explanations.
[Training in Manners and Etiquette]
Students will have the opportunity to actually go up on stage and experience Noh movements, such as sliding steps, under the guidance of a Noh performer.
[Noh singing practice]
We will distribute the lyrics and encourage the students to recite them aloud, allowing them to experience the beautiful world of Japanese language in Noh theater.
[Dressing in traditional attire]
You will see the entire process of putting on the costumes right before your eyes. This is a special program unique to our appreciation class, offering something you wouldn't normally get to see.
[Explanation of the traditional Japanese music]
This section provides an explanation of the musical accompaniment, including flutes, drums, and taiko drums, which are indispensable to Noh performances.
[Track Listing]
Prior to the performance, the Noh actors will directly explain the plot and highlights of the work to the audience.
[Finished]
We will introduce you to the world of Noh theater by showing you "Shimai," which is a performance of only the dance that is the highlight of a Noh play (performance).
[Performance]
This is the main Noh performance of the appreciation class. The knowledge gained through the workshop will significantly deepen your understanding of the work.
[Question Corner]
This is an opportunity to ask Noh performers any questions you have directly. Please feel free to ask anything!
The actual viewing program
A Noh performer will guide students through the world of Noh theater in a way that is easy to understand.
In the workshop, students wear white tabi socks and actually go up on the Noh stage to experience Noh movements such as sliding steps together with Noh performers. They are experiencing the world of Noh theater through their bodies.
A scene from a Noh performance. The piece performed that day was "Hagoromo," a play familiar from the legend of the celestial maiden's robe at the World Heritage site of Miho no Matsubara.
Contact Us
We will create the performance content based on your requests. From full-scale Noh performances to workshops, we will propose a special program just for that day, taking into account your time and budget. Please feel free to contact us.
All of us Noh performers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet energetic young people.
General Incorporated Association Kanze-kai
[Contact]
General Incorporated Association Kanze-kai Phone: 03-6274-6579 (Representative)
General Incorporated Association Kanze-kai Phone: 03-6274-6579 (Representative)
FAX 03-6274-6589
E-mail kanzekai@kanze.net
