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

(Top image) Photo: Kaoru Kunisaki

A stage for Kyogen performers living in the 21st century
Vol.8 Modern training to support the "secret songs" of traditional performing arts
Ozo doctrine (Noh performer Kyogen style Ozo school)

The other day, I performed "Tsurigitsune," a Kyogen piece said to be a secret piece. This marked the 20th anniversary of the Okura-ryu Kichijiro Kyogen Association, which is run by my father's family, and this was my second attempt at performing this piece.

Let me briefly explain the story.
A fox whose family has been caught by a hunter disguises itself as a monk named Hakuzosu and goes to persuade the hunter to stop catching foxes. On its way back, the fox finds bait in a trap that the hunter has discarded, and succumbs to temptation. It finally strips off its kimono, revealing its true nature and getting caught in the trap. In the end, it manages to escape the trap, and the hunter chases it away.
It is considered the most difficult of the 180 Kyogen plays, and because it requires mind, technique, and body, it is customary to perform it as the final stage of a graduation course after approximately 20 years of training. For this reason, it is likened to a "graduation thesis" for Kyogen performers. It could be said that only after performing "Tsurigitsune" can one be considered a full-fledged performer.
I first performed it when I was 26 years old, and this anniversary marks the second time it has been performed again.
* Former shite, Hakuzoshu (photo: Kunisaki Kaoru)

It goes without saying that the technical aspects are difficult, but what's even more important is physical strength.
Because the foxes have taken on human form, the performers sit in a crouched position, and for the first 40 minutes of the play, they speak, narrate, fly, and sing in this position.
And the biggest problem is the heat.
Hakuzoshu wears a fluffy fox costume, and then a costume over that, including a horned hat, gloves, and a mask.
Only the nape 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!

As I was approaching 40, my biggest problem was my physical strength. Without it, I couldn't make the most of my skills. So, this year, I started training.
・Run 5km
・30 minutes of strength training
・20 minutes of yoga
・Stretching for 30 minutes
At first, he was just warming up, but once May came around, he made a spurt and pushed himself hard.

As mentioned above, it was necessary to take measures against the heat, so I always dressed in ``hot'' clothes when running.
The long-sleeved "extremely warm" jacket sold at a certain clothing store was very useful.
Of course, the tights are Heattech.
You will then be dressed in a sauna suit, with a towel around your head and neck, gloves and a mask.
He runs while muttering his lines.
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.

I focused on strengthening my inner muscles. I've never been interested in strength training, so I only knew about push-ups, but I was surprised to find out that there are more efficient ways to train. I looked online and found that there are many YouTube posts that explain things in detail. Just slowly practicing the five exercises I chose was enough to make me sweat.
I bought or borrowed books on stretching and yoga to help me with my practice.
I found that just by diligently working through the stretches in one book, my body felt much lighter. The book also carefully teaches me which muscles to stretch.
There are many different yoga poses, but I focused on strengthening my core.

In fact, I thought stretching and yoga had nothing to do with Kyogen, but when I actually tried them, I found that they surprisingly improved my performance, and I was embarrassed by my previous assumptions.
The body is very light, which gives stability to the sliding steps.

What surprised me most was the sports drinks. Instead of the sports drinks I had been drinking, I was recommended a product called hypotonic water. It absorbs fluids quickly, so water doesn't slosh around in your stomach.
Energy drinks are also essential. They are consumed before going on stage. During intermissions (when they leave the stage and re-enter), they also consume gel-like drinks to quickly restore their strength and muscles. They were able to take to the stage using truly "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 do you go to such lengths?"
He has been in the entertainment industry for 34 years, and 13 years since his debut. Perhaps he wanted to know what his limits were now. I think he wanted to find the answer to whether what he had accumulated was correct.
All that was left was to decide whether to do it or not. I set a goal for myself and strive to achieve it. I strive to satisfy the viewers.
That was my only thought.

From now on, my physical strength will decline, but my technique and mentality will improve.
I think it's a performance worthy of pouring everything I've accumulated in my life up to that age into.
I would like to challenge myself again to reach my limits in the next 10 or 20 years.

*The photographs published here are strictly prohibited from being altered or used for secondary purposes in accordance with the Copyright and Personal Rights Protection Act and the Portrait Rights Protection Act.