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The world of Kyogen is fun to watch and deepens through teaching.

観て楽しみ、教えて深まる狂言の世界

A cypress stage for Kyogen artists living in the 21st century
Vol.3Enjoy watching, deepening the world of Kyogen by teaching
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)

Did you know that the general public can learn Kyogen?
Both my father and grandfather worked to popularize Kyogen by presiding over dojos called keikojo. Many people of all ages and genders are learning Kyogen there, and I have been practicing among them since I was a child.
*2 years old. Rehearsing on a Noh stage for the first time.

I was once asked, ``Is Kyogen something to be learned, not something to watch?'' If you say, ``My father and grandfather taught,'' that's all, but there are times when I look back and wonder, ``Why am I teaching?''
In the past, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu performed Kyogen themselves, and other feudal lords also learned from them. At Ozo's house, he also taught Kyogen to town actors and appeared in events such as Kanjin Kyogen, so there is no doubt that ``teaching'' has been around for a long time.
*4 years old. First stage performance. He co-starred with his grandfather's disciples in ``Narihira Mochi.''

Kyogen has a repertoire of 180 pieces, but there may be limits to learning them all and passing them on to the next generation without forgetting them. But if you refresh your memory by teaching others, you won't forget what you learned. Also, by teaching the performance many times, you will be able to deeply understand the performance and hone your kata. While teaching, there are many discoveries that make me think, ``Ah! Is this what it's all about?'' What's more, the rehearsals are done without using a sound source, which means that you continue to use your voice for most of the day, which helps you improve your own technique and practice your vocal skills. You could say, "By teaching, we are being taught."

On a personal note, I got married and moved to Nakanoshima (Tama Ward, Kawasaki City). Since it coincided with the time when my child was born, I went to visit Nakanoshima Inari Shrine, the guardian deity, and there was a Kagura hall there.
Kyogen can be performed here.
Thinking so, I immediately called the chief priest, and he was happy to provide it to me.

Just around the time the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. Many of the customers who participate in the ``Kyogen LABO'' that I independently planned are people who are involved in activities that are rooted in their local communities. These keywords overlapped and I started thinking about "region."
The word ``region'' has the meaning of referring to a place, but I also think that it means ``going'' to the ``earth''. To cherish and enrich the place where you live now. I believe that by adjusting the environment, the circle of people will expand and the city will become a more comfortable place to live.

Furthermore, I want the children who grow up there to experience a lot of nature and culture. Exposure to culture opens the heart, leads to self-discovery, discovery of others, and the emergence of individuality and respect. There were many reasons why I started a Kyogen class in Nakanojima.
When we opened the lid, it was not easy to attract customers, but now seven students are enjoying learning Kyogen.
*The 1st Nakanoshima Inari Shrine dedication Kyogen performance

This year as well, there will be a dedicated Kyogen performance performed by all the students in the classroom on Saturday, October 6th. This year marks the sixth time we have held this event, and we take pride in it as an activity that is rooted in the local community. I would be happy if I could convey the generosity and humor of Kyogen to many people in the area.

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