Modern training to support the "secret songs" of traditional performing arts

(Top image) Photo by Kaoru Kunisaki

The grand stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol. 8 Modern training that supports the "secret melodies" of traditional performing arts
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)

The other day, I performed "Tsurigitsune," a play considered a secret piece in the Kyogen repertoire. It was a milestone as the "Okura-ryu Kichijiro Kyogen Association," which my father's school of Kyogen organized, celebrated its 20th anniversary, and this was my second time performing this particular play.

Let me briefly explain the story.
A fox whose family was caught by a hunter disguises himself as a monk named Hakuzoshu and goes to persuade the hunter to stop catching foxes. On his way back, the fox finds the bait in the trap that the hunter had discarded, and succumbs to temptation, finally shedding his clothes and revealing his true form, getting caught in the trap. In the end, he manages to escape the trap and flees, pursued by the hunter.
Considered the most difficult of the 180 Kyogen plays, requiring mind, technique, and body, it is customary to perform it as the final stage of training after approximately 20 years. For this reason, it is sometimes likened to a "graduation thesis" for Kyogen performers. In other words, only after performing "Tsurigitsune" (The Fox Hunt) are you recognized as a full-fledged performer.
I premiered this play when I was 26, and this commemorative performance marks its second revival.
* Former shite, Hakuzoshu (photo: Kunisaki Kaoru)

Needless to say, the technical aspects are difficult. But even more important is physical strength.
Since the fox is disguised as a human, the performer assumes a low stance. For the first 40 minutes, they speak, narrate, jump, and sing in this posture.
And the biggest problem is the heat.
Hakuzoshu's attire consists of a fluffy fox costume, with a ceremonial garment worn over it. He wears a horned hat, gloves, and a mask on his head.
Only the back of the neck is exposed to the air.
*Fox costumes and traps. Check them carefully before the performance to make sure they are not damaged!

For me, approaching 40, physical fitness was the biggest problem. Without physical fitness, even technical skills are useless. So, I started training earlier this year.
Running 5km
30 minutes of strength training
・20 minutes of yoga
30 minutes of stretching
Initially, I took it easy, but in May I made a final push and pushed myself hard.

As mentioned earlier, heat countermeasures are necessary, so I always dressed in "hot" clothing when running.
I found the long-sleeved "Extreme Warmth" shirts sold at a certain clothing store to be very useful.
Of course, the tights are "Heattech".
Furthermore, I was clad in a sauna suit, with a towel covering my head and neck, gloves, and a mask.
He runs while muttering his lines to himself.
I was running along the embankment in a very suspicious outfit, but luckily I wasn't thought of as a suspicious person. The reason I didn't choose clothes sold at sports stores is because clothes that are difficult to move in are best. There's no point in training if you don't put strain on your body.

My strength training focused mainly on strengthening my inner muscles. I've never been interested in strength training before and only knew about push-ups, but I was surprised to learn that there are more efficient ways to train these days. When I looked it up online, I found that there are many videos on YouTube that explain things in detail. Just doing five exercises that I chose myself, slowly, is enough to make me sweat.
I bought or borrowed books on stretching and yoga to help me with my practice.
I noticed a significant improvement in my physical condition just by diligently working through the stretches in one book. The book also carefully explains which muscles to stretch.
Yoga involves a variety of poses, but I focused my efforts on strengthening my core muscles.

Actually, I thought stretching and yoga had nothing to do with Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater). But when I actually tried them, I was surprised at how much my performance improved, and I'm ashamed of my preconceived notions.
I feel incredibly light on my feet. It brings stability to my shuffling steps.

But what surprised me most was the sports drink. Instead of the sports drink I'd been drinking, I was recommended a product called hypotonic water. It's absorbed quickly, so it doesn't make your stomach feel sloshed around.
Furthermore, energy drinks were essential. I consumed them before going on stage. During the intermission (when I left the stage and then returned), I also consumed a gel-type beverage that quickly restored my energy and muscles. I was truly able to take to the stage using "modern power."

It requires immense physical strength, technique, and the mental strength to support it. It's a performance that truly unites mind, technique, and body. *The fox mask of the second shite. This is a special mask used only by foxes. Visibility is almost zero. (Photo: Kunisaki Kaoru)

I was once asked, "Why go to such lengths?"
34 years in the performing arts. 13 years since the premiere. Perhaps he wanted to know what his current limits were. I think he wanted to find the answer to whether everything he had built up was correct.
All that remained was "to do it or not to do it." I set my own goals and worked hard to achieve them. I strived to satisfy the customers who watched me.
That was my sole focus.

From now on, my physical strength will decline. On the other hand, my skills and mental strength will improve.
I believe it's a performance worthy of pouring everything I've accumulated up to that age—my entire life, my very being—into it.
I want to challenge myself again in the next 10 or 20 years, pushing my limits.

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