"OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre" - a facility showcasing Noh and Kyogen

The Yokohama Noh Theatre, which has been closed since January 2024 for large-scale repairs, has opened a new base of operations for the theatre, the OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre, at the Minato Mirai Landmark Plaza. This is the first time in the country that a Noh/Kyogen spot has been set up within a commercial facility, and this new initiative is attracting attention.

The concept is to see, know, experience, and learn

An otabisho is a place where a god rests during a shrine festival during its tour.
The name "OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre" reflects our hope that it will become a place where even those unfamiliar with Noh and Kyogen can casually drop in and experience classical performing arts.

The alphabetic spelling of OTABISHO is a perfect fit for the international city of Yokohama. Since its opening on April 18, 2024, the theater has been attracting many visitors from both within Japan and overseas, and the base of Noh and Kyogen fans is expanding.

【entrance】
The "Noh-Kyogen Correlation Chart" was created by the staff in the hopes of helping people become familiar with Noh and Kyogen. It describes the history of Noh and Kyogen from their origins to the present day in an easy-to-understand manner, in both Japanese and English. It also introduces unique words that originated from Noh, such as "Nori ii," "San mitai," and "Program."

Noh and Kyogen Relationship Chart

[Exhibition Space]
In the center of the gallery, there are actual Noh and Kyogen masks and costumes. The three masks are displayed for about one month, and the vibrant costumes are changed every two months.

Noh and Kyogen masks (from left): Buaku, Koomote, Obeshimi

The mask on display at the time of the interview (center) is a "Koomote" mask, which depicts a young woman. It is a typical Noh mask, characterized by plump skin and lustrous black hair.

Small mask

I was surprised to see the inside of the mask, something that is rarely seen anywhere else. By looking through the holes in the eyes through the clear panel, you can virtually experience what the performer sees.

Inside the Komote

Noh costumes are stage costumes made specifically for Noh, and their different types and combinations allow them to express the various roles and inner thoughts of the characters. The photo shows a gorgeous Karaori kimono jacket that is mainly used for female roles.

Karaori Asanoha weeping cherry blossom strip pattern, alternating tiers

The Sato Yoshihiko Memorial Yamaguchi Noh Costume Research Institute, known worldwide for its precise restoration of Edo-period Noh costumes, has created this piece with particular attention paid to not only the patterns and techniques, but also the materials, such as silk thread. Looking at the delicate weaving, it is easy to see why some people become interested in Noh and Kyogen after seeing Noh costumes.

Karaori Asanoha weeping cherry blossom strip pattern, alternating tiers

[Raised floor space]
At the back of the gallery is a wooden raised area reminiscent of a Noh stage. It is a photo spot modeled after the stage of the Noh play "Dojoji." There is also an exhibition of fans, which are essential to Noh, and four instruments that support the music. I found it interesting that there was a 2D code service that allows you to listen to the sounds of the Taiko drum, Otsuzumi drum, Kotsuzumi drum, and Fue drum, as well as the music that combines them, called "Hayashi."

Small drum

Personally, I liked the elaborate and gorgeous decoration of the small drums. Looking at the precious exhibits, I wanted to hear the real sounds and music of Noh and Kyogen on the stage.

Small drum

Leaving the Yokohama Noh Theatre

The 2023 Children's Kyogen Workshop (Courtesy of Yokohama Noh Theatre)

In addition to the elaborate exhibitions, the role of the "OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater" is to hold various performances and lectures. We are planning a variety of events and lectures that are a little different from the solemn atmosphere of the Yokohama Noh Theater.

This summer, Sugita Theater will be hosting a "Kids' Kyogen Workshop," a combination of a Kyogen performance and practical instruction. The performance will be accompanied by commentary, and the practical instruction will cover everything from proper etiquette, such as sitting upright, greetings, and etiquette, to the basics of Kyogen. The workshop is aimed at children from the first grade of elementary school to third grade of junior high school.

[Children's Kyogen Workshop (2024)] Venue: Sugita Theater, Isogo Community Cultural Center, Yokohama
<Performance viewing> Saturday, August 17th, 14:00-15:30 Popular performance "Kids' Kyogen Hall"
Details: here
<Practical training> Performance viewing on August 17th (Sat) + August 19th (Mon), 20th (Tue), 21st (Wed) 13:00-15:00 each day (scheduled)
Children's Kyogen Workshop - Introductory Edition -
Details: here

Noh and Kyogen to continue in Yokohama

The new Yokohama Noh Theater is scheduled to be completed in June 2026. While you wait for the unveiling in two years, why not try the OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater for a chance to get up close and personal with Noh and Kyogen?

Text by Mai Shimura (editor/writer)

OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre
Address: 5F Landmark Plaza, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00 (open all year round) *Free admission, no reservations required
Phone number: 045-263-3055 (Yokohama Noh Theatre)
Organized by: Yokohama Noh Theatre and Yokohama Arts Foundation
Official website: Here (Yokohama Noh Theatre)