Information about the Kanze Library

Activities of the Kanze Bunko Foundation

Noh, with its history spanning over 600 years, is represented by the Kanze family, who have preserved invaluable materials related to Noh, including Noh masks and costumes. These possessions are important cultural assets of Japan and must be passed down to society for generations to come. At the same time, it is necessary to focus on activities such as promoting Noh and training successors. The previous head of the Kanze family, the 25th generation, Sakon Kanze, worked to promote and develop Noh from this standpoint by making these materials publicly available.

Inheriting this legacy, the Kanze Bunko Foundation was established in 1991 under the 26th head of the Kanze family, Kiyokazu Kanze, with the aim of preserving, researching, and utilizing Noh masks, costumes, and valuable books and documents passed down through the Kanze family, as well as promoting Noh theater both domestically and internationally.

Since then, we have undertaken numerous activities, including the "Kanze Bunko Establishment Commemorative Exhibition 'The Flower of Yugen'" in 1993, regular projects such as the Kanze Bunko Research Society, the public display of our collection of Noh masks, costumes, and documents, as well as "Nohgaku Kanze-za" performances and "Kanze-za MIRAI" performances aimed at nurturing young talent. We have also strived to popularize Noh by holding introductory courses for beginners that explain the charm of Noh with demonstrations, and "Nohgaku Experience Classes" for students in various locations, and our activities are diverse.

Regarding the recommendation for the UNESCO "Memory of the World" registration of "Fūshikaden"

Corporate Profile

Corporate name	Kanze Bunko Foundation
Location	5-27-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
telephone number	03-6418-5025
FAX number	03-6418-5026
Representative	Chairman Kiyokazu Kanze
Business content	1. Collection, preservation, and public display of materials related to Noh theater. 2. Research and study of materials related to Noh theater and publication of the results. 3. Performances and promotion of Noh theater both domestically and internationally. 4. Training of Noh theater inheritors. 5. Holding of research meetings and lectures on Noh theater. 6. Other activities.

Public release of documents held in the Kanze Library

This is a digital archive that allows you to search and view Noh-related documents and materials held by the Kanze Library on the internet.

We are always accepting applications for supporting members.

The Kanze Bunko Foundation has been conducting numerous activities since its establishment, including exhibitions, lectures, research meetings, Noh performances (independent productions), Noh experience workshops, and the preservation and research of materials such as Zeami's handwritten manuscripts and ancient documents passed down through generations. However, the interest generated from the foundation's assets is being affected by the low interest rate environment and is facing many problems. As we continue to carry out various activities in the future, we hereby ask for the cooperation of those who understand the purpose of the Kanze Bunko Foundation.

As supporting members, we offer modest benefits such as advance notice of performances and other events, priority booking, and discounts. We would be delighted if you would consider joining us as a supporting member at this opportunity.

Please contact us at the address below, and we will send you an application form.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Kanze Bunko Foundation / Phone: 03-6418-5025 / Fax: 03-6418-5026
●For email inquiries, please use:Contact us here”, please contact us.
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