OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater, a facility showcasing Noh and Kyogen
The Yokohama Noh Theatre, which has been closed since January 2024 for extensive repairs, has opened a new base for its activities, the OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre, in Minato Mirai Landmark Plaza. This is the first time in Japan that a Noh and Kyogen venue 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 Theater" reflects the 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 visited by many people from both within Japan and overseas, and the base of Noh and Kyogen fans is expanding.
【entrance】
The "Noh and Kyogen Correlation Chart" was created by the staff in the hopes of helping people become more familiar with Noh and Kyogen. It clearly describes the history of these two arts from their origins to the present day in both Japanese and English. It also uniquely introduces words that originated from Noh, such as "Nori ii" (gross), "San ta ki" (three-beat), and "Taimono" (program).
Noh and Kyogen Correlation Chart
[Exhibition Space]
In the center of the gallery, there are actual Noh and Kyogen masks and costumes. The three masks are displayed approximately once a 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 this visit (center) is a "Koomote" mask, which depicts a young woman. It is a typical Noh mask characterized by its plump skin and lustrous black hair.
Komote (small mask)
I was surprised to see the inside of the mask, which is something you rarely get to see anywhere else. By looking through the eye holes through the clear panel, you can virtually experience the performer's field of vision.
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 brocade garment, which is mainly used as a jacket for female roles.
Karaori hemp leaf, weeping cherry blossom, strips of paper, alternating layers
The Sato Yoshihiko Memorial Yamaguchi Noh Costume Research Institute, known worldwide for its meticulous restoration of Edo-period Noh costumes, has created this piece with meticulous attention to detail, not only in the patterns and techniques but also in the materials, such as silk thread. Looking at the delicate weaving, it's easy to see why some people become interested in Noh and Kyogen after seeing Noh costumes.
Karaori hemp leaf, weeping cherry blossom, strips of paper, alternating layers
[Raised space]
At the back of the gallery is a raised wooden platform reminiscent of a Noh stage. It's a photo spot modeled after the stage of the Noh play "Dojoji." There's also an exhibit of fans, which are essential to Noh, and the four musical instruments that support the music. I found the QR code service intriguing, as it allows you to listen to the sounds of the taiko drum, o-tsuzumi drum, ko-tsuzumi drum, and flute, as well as the combined music known as "hayashi."
small drum
Personally, I liked the elaborate and gorgeous decorations on the small drums. Seeing the precious exhibits made me want to experience the authentic sounds and music of Noh and Kyogen performances.
small drum
Leaving the Yokohama Noh Theatre
Scenes from the 2023 Children's Kyogen Workshop (Photo courtesy of Yokohama Noh Theatre)
In addition to the elaborate exhibitions, OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater also hosts a variety of 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 "Children's Kyogen Workshop," which combines a Kyogen performance with 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 very basics of Kyogen. The workshop is aimed at children from first grade of elementary school to third grade of junior high school.
Noh and Kyogen to continue in Yokohama
The new Yokohama Noh Theater is scheduled to be reborn in June 2026. While you wait for the unveiling in two years, why not try the OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater for an opportunity to get up close and personal with Noh and Kyogen?
Text by Mai Shimura (editor/writer)
OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theatre
Address: Landmark Plaza 5F, 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)
Management: Yokohama Noh Theatre and Yokohama Arts Foundation
Official website: here (Yokohama Noh Theater)
