Noh and Kyo are difficult to explain! There are plenty of performances for people like you to experience!
Enter an artistic space!
YOKOHAMA ART SPOT FILE
A place where you can casually and easily encounter Japan's proud traditional culture
Yokohama Noh Theatre
The Yokohama Noh Theatre is located on a hill overlooking the Yokohama Minato Mirai area, in a corner of Kamoyama Park, which is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. It is located in a very quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it is also attractive that you can enjoy a seasonal stroll on your way to the venue, viewing the colorful trees and cherry blossom petals falling.
The main stage of the Yokohama Noh Theater is a restoration of the old Somei Noh Stage, which has long been loved as such. This stage was built in 1875 at the residence of Maeda Nariyasu, a former lord of the Kaga domain in Negishi, Tokyo, and was later moved to the residence of Matsudaira Yorinaga in Somei, Tokyo, where it was widely used until 1965. It is the oldest surviving Noh stage in the Kanto region and the eighth oldest in the country, and has been designated a cultural asset by Yokohama City as a valuable piece in the history of architecture and Noh.
Take a look at the mirror panel visible at the front of the main stage! Most mirror panels have a single "old pine" painted on it, but the one at Yokohama Noh Theater is a little different. Along with the "old pine," a "plum tree" and "bamboo roots" are also painted on it. This is apparently very rare. Why the "plum tree"? One story goes that it is a reference to the plum tree of Sugawara Michizane, the ancestor of the Maeda clan mentioned above.
Despite being such a historic place, there are plenty of original events that beginners can enjoy, even if they tend to think that "Noh and Kyo are difficult." Popular events include the "Yokohama Kyogendo" where you can enjoy two Kyogen plays with explanations for just 2,000 yen, a Kyogen workshop for children, and a free guided tour of the facility held once a month.
We would like to give you a little glimpse into one of the most popular original performances, the "Barrier-Free Noh," which is held once a year as the footsteps of spring approach! As the name suggests, "Barrier-Free Noh" is a performance in which people with and without disabilities can share the same time and enjoy Noh and Kyogen together, without discrimination.
Various support is available, including admission tickets and pamphlets with braille, tactile maps showing the layout of the Noh stage, sign language and computer interpretation, one free assistant, audio commentary, etc. In addition, the performances are carefully selected to ensure that they are not too long and are well-balanced so that it is enjoyable whether you are just listening or watching!
There will also be a corner outside the hall where you can see replica Noh masks that will be used in the performance that day, and you can actually touch them to check their shape, size, and feel.
The hall also has space for wheelchairs.
It's a warm, friendly and fun day where everyone can come together and experience traditional Japanese culture. Even first-timers can enjoy the show without feeling intimidated, as detailed explanations are provided. This is a truly "barrier-free" world that will release any worries you may have about Noh and Kyo. Please come and see the unique performance that is only held once a year at the Yokohama Noh Theater.
