Nho-gaku 能楽: Traditional Japanese Art from early Muromachi Period in the third Syogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu(三代将軍足利義満) until nowadays.

 

Noh-gaku(能楽) is the world’s oldest living theater, and it has been handed down from family to family over 600 years. This is called the Iemoto(家元) system. Noh is an amalgamation of various other dance, for example, Dengaku(田楽) or Sarugaku(猿楽), and chanting forms. Together Kan-ami(観阿弥) and his son Ze-ami(世阿弥) codified and established Noh. Noh-dram is played out through Mai-miming(舞) and traditional music Utai(謡い). As if Utai was Dokyo(読経)-chant of Buddhist monks, it could be chanted. There are four instruments and instrumentalists in Utai. The protagonist Shite(仕手) wears a mask which is called Noh-men(能面). The movement of Noh is characterized by a unique walking style called Suri-ashi(摺り足). It is a sliding step which is maintained throughout the play. Ma(間) can be loosely translated as space or spacing. In Noh, it is essential in all aspects of the performance. The atmosphere of Noh can be characterized as ephemeral, hypnotic, misty and cloudy. Noh plays are divided into five distinct categories.