Introduction to Art Performances on Sado Island

Experienceai?

that expresses the key elements of a specificanied by a chorus. The Shimai dancers usuallyed kimono and hakama without masks andhe play of flute and drums is omitted.

NohLHIVKPS`ZLUZH[PVUon Sadoearning by doing

春日 社
猿楽

四月 ︑春日 明 神の祭 礼
例 年五日をもて猿 楽 あり︒
このやしろはむかし 春日 岬に有 りしを ︑今の下 戸 村に移 せしと 云 ︒
神 明 ︑善 知 鳥の両 祠に並へり︒
故に三社 と 呼 ︒

UK:[LW¶4HZ[LY¸2HTHL¹[OLIHZPJWVZ[\YL
In Noh, the upright posture of “Kamae”
is the starting point for every movement.

To keep a stable stance, stand upright,
lean forward slightly, and stick out yourbuttocks a little. Keep your feet straight
together and your knees bent slightly.

Japanese beauty breathes on Sado Island

2020〜Immerse yourself in the

Welcome to the Island of Performing Arts
Noh

The island is enveloped in the elegant
It isofsaid
that plays.
presently there exist aboutatmosphere
the Noh>L ^PSS PU[YVK\JL `V\ H KPNLZ[ VM [OL W
are many mo
SadoreIsland currently has over 30 Noh stages and about 20 Noh plays areerehcategories of Noh plays. You should enjo
Tbeing Nperformed
per year. The history of Noh began with OkuboohNagayasu, who arrived on Sado Island as the ﬁrst magistrate overlooking
aﬀairs concerning the newly discovered gold mine. A stage performer
himself, Okubo Nagayasu brought other Noh actors with him from Nara,
Noh plays can roughly be divided into five cdonated Noh masks and dedicated Noh to Aikawa's Kasuga Shrine. Noh,protagonist(deity),“Otoko” (moriginally meant to be enjoyedby theappears
warrior as:class“Kami”
exclusively,
has spreadto the locals through festivals
art of Noh was
handedLet's andpicktheupperformingsome representative
plays
for eachdown. It is well known(*Nowadays,
that Zeami, thethe quintuple
actor andday
playwrightprogramwho
is seldom
perfected Noh, was exiled to Sado Island and spent his later years here.

ys!
pla

The Five Categories of Noh PlayThe Sagi school of Kyogen is handed
down only in three places in Japan.

Where to Watch

Daizen Shrine Takigi Noh
562-1 Mano-Takeda, Sado CityOn Sado Island, the Sagi school of Kyogen is
Ushio Shrine Annual Festival Takigi Nohmaking eﬀorts to hand down and popularize
2532,The
Niibo-Katagami,
Sado
categoryis called
protagonist
is Citya “Kami”. These
Sagi The
schoolfirst
Kyogen.
Sagi school
Kyogen “Waki-Noh”.
existeduntilarethe endof theEdo periodwith(1603-1868)and to pacify
Suwa Shrine
plays
concerned
festivals
the protagonist deity (Shite) and todisappeared almost completely during theHarakuro,the
SadoplaysCity
ask for universal piece. On Sado724,Island,“Tsurukame” orTaisho period (1912-1926). Nowadays Sagi
In June, Noh plays are performed in various“Chikubushima”
areperformed.
school Kyogen only remains in Yamaguchi City,
places on the island on weekends.
Chiyoda, and on Sado Island.

First Category

Representative Chants: Tsurukame
Centering on the dance of Tsurukame wishing for the Emperor to have a long life.

Shrine Ritual
Performing Arts

It's not just Onidaiko! You can encounter
various performing arts at festivals.

Harigoma Harigoma is a kind of performing art done in a door-to-door style during newyear. Usually between January and March, the performers would go from house to house in
their community, holding a hobbyhorse, dancing and singing.

Third Category

Whereandto Watch
Onidaiko
Onidaiko isare
a popular on Sado Island“Kazura-Noh”
characterized by the gracefultraditional
performingart
At villageandfestivals
on theTheislandShite (protagosituation
development
centering on dancing
singing.
performed together with a
Ondeko in Niibo Toki-no-Yubae Market(“Onna”).
Taikonist)
drum.isIt ais woman
an essential
Parking lot of Sado City Oﬃce's Niibo Branchpart of festivals on the island
TEL: 0259-22-2166
and is also called“Ondeko”
A popular play on Sado Island:(Niibo Chamber of Commerce)in the local dialect. There are
ﬁve diﬀerent
Izutsustyles of Onidaiko.

Izutsu is aIt masterpiece
Mugen-Nohthattoeven
Where
Watch
Kojishimai
is also called of
Shishiodori.
Puttinglion praisedor deer headon, threeZeami
to bepiecesof highest
quality.
“Tsutsu
Ogi Minato
Matsuripersons dance in unison while drumming the Ogi port and other places
Izutsu” from “The Tales of Ise” is the pivot of thesmall Taiko hanging on their bellies. It has been TEL:0259-86-2216
play.
The
highlight
where the “Woman ofhandeddownmainlyin Sadoscene
Island'sisMaehama(Ogi Minato Shinkokai)
and Kaifu
coast(daughter
area.
Izutsu”
of Aritsune) remembers the olddays, watching the reflection of herself in the water

Tsuburosashi Tsuburosashi is a kind of Where to Watchof a(Shinto
well wearinga Kimonoof ItAriwara
Narihira“Kagura”
ritual ceremonial
dance).
is Kusakari
Shrinesaid whom
to haveshebeenhandeddown fromhad
been waitingfor.Kyoto
The fakewellwith2081-1,
Hamochi-Hongo,
and is performed at festivals at Sugawara Sado City
Japanese pampas grass expresses the desolation of
Shrine and Kusakari Shrine in Hamochi area. TEL:0269-88-3111
The autumn.
male deity holds a phallic object (Hamochi Branch, Sado(“Tsuburosashi”) that the female deity rubs with City)
bamboo sticks while performing a sexual dance
accompanied by ﬂutes and drums.

NingyoShibai
The three kinds of puppet plays remaining are
FourthCategorynationally designated important cultural properties.
(PuppetTheater)“Kyoran-Noh” (madness plays) tell the stories of lovers and families who, notable to letgo, wander
about properties,
looking forBunya
the deceased ones they loved. They are
Designatedas important
culturalNingyo,and Sekkyo
Ningyo still remain
alsoNoroma
calledNingyo,“Zatsu-Noh”(miscellaneous
plays) because plays that don't fallon Sado Island. Sekkyo Ningyo is performed inunder any other category are listed here, as well.
accordance with the narration of a Sekkyo Bushi alongwith Noroma Ningyo puppets. The narration is in Sado
Island's dialect
and generally
as anIsland:interlude. Where to Watch
A popular
playappears
on SadoBunya Ningyo originated from “Kojoruri” (another sort of Sado Puppet Theater Performance
Makiginu(Silka Deity)puppettheatre) thatwasto
popularin and around Kyoto (Hamochi Rural Environment
about 300 years ago. It was handed down as a song Improvement Center)
A man went
to Kumano
Gongethree
to dedicate
accompanied
by Shamisen(guitar-likestringed a 617, Hamochi-Hongo, Sado City
bolt of Itsilk
to athat
deity.
However,on his way
instrument).
is said
Bunya
Ningyo, consistingof ato TEL:0259-66-2719
puppeteer
and a narrator,
was establishedthe shrine,
he tooka detourin 1872.
and visited Noura Performing Art Festival
Otonashi Tenjin, so he got tied up for being Noura Area, Sado City
tardy. But Tenjin (god of heaven) entered afemalemedium andAcameto hiscalled
rescue.Hanya
The Bushi
Sado
Okesa
folksong

medium dances kagura
a Sadostate ofpossescameinto
Islandfrom Kyushu.
sion. It is unique that a Shite dances in a state
Thereofare
various opinions
on theoriginsof Sado Okesa,
possession
alreadyfromthe beginningandbut the most convincing story of how it came to Sado
notOgistarting
middletheplay.that
The
Island's
area is fromthat ofthe
Hanya
Bushi.of
It isa songquickof theclimax
scene
where
the
sailors
from tempo
Kyushu sang
duringfeasts.
It spreadacrossthe country
through insailors
on cargo
calledShite dancesmadness
is ships
particularly“Kitamaebune” that carried goods from Hokkaido to Where to Watch
impressive.
Osaka
passing by Sado Island on their trade route. Aikawa Kozan Matsuri
Coming to Sado Island via Ogi, it was then passed to
Aikawa, the town where the gold mine was, and then to
the rest of the island.

(Aikawa Mine Festival)
Aikawa District, Sado City

For performing
arts without addresses or telephone numbers,
Han'nyaplease contact
Sado Tourism Association (TEL:0259-27-5000)(/HUU`HTHZRL_WYLZZLZH]LUNLM\SMLTHSLNOVZ[Immerse yourself in the world of Noh
It is said that presently there exist about 240 Noh plays.
>L ^PSS PU[YVK\JL `V\ H KPNLZ[ VM [OL WSH`Z VM[LU WLYMVYTLK VU :HKV 0ZSHUK MVSSV^PUN [OL Ä]Lcategories of Noh plays. You should enjoy the continuation directly while watching a performance.

hare many mo
re
ere
h
No
T

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pla

The Five Categories of Noh Plays

Noh plays can roughly be divided into five categories depending on which of the following characters theprotagonist appears as: “Kami” (deity), “Otoko” (man), “Onna” (woman), “Kyo” (a mad person), and “Oni” (demon).
Let's pick up some representative plays for each category.
(*Nowadays, the quintuple day program is seldomly organized.)

First Category

The first category is called “Waki-Noh”. The protagonist is a “Kami”. Theseare plays concerned with festivals to pacify the protagonist deity (Shite) and to
ask for universal piece. On Sado Island, the plays “Tsurukame” or“Chikubushima” are performed.
Representative Chants: Tsurukame
Centering on the dance of Tsurukame wishing for the Emperor to have a long life.

Third Category“Kazura-Noh” are popular on Sado Island and characterized by the gracefulsituation development centering on dancing and singing. The Shite (protagonist) is a woman (“Onna”).

Second Category“Shura-Noh”, describe the agony of soldiers (“Otoko”)
who have fallen into the world of permanent strife after
death. The protagonist is a military commander of the
Minamoto or Taira clans.
Popular plays on Sado Island:

Kiyotsune
The ghost of Kiyotsune (Shite) who committed suicide
appears in his wife's dreams. This play is considered a“Genzai Noh”, depicting normal events of everyday
life. It is the story of a warrior, but the love of wife andhusband is also integrated.
Yashima

A popular play on Sado Island:

IzutsuIzutsu is a masterpiece of Mugen-Noh that even
Zeami praised to be of highest quality. “Tsutsu
Izutsu” from “The Tales of Ise” is the pivot of theplay. The highlight scene is where the “Woman of
Izutsu” (daughter of Aritsune) remembers the olddays, watching the reflection of herself in the waterof a well wearing a Kimono of Ariwara Narihira
whom she had been waiting for. The fake well withJapanese pampas grass expresses the desolation of
autumn.

Fourth Category“Kyoran-Noh” (madness plays) tell the stories of lovers and families who, notable to let go, wander about looking for the deceased ones they loved. They arealso called “Zatsu-Noh” (miscellaneous plays) because plays that don't fallunder any other category are listed here, as well.
A popular play on Sado Island:

Makiginu (Silk to a Deity)

A man went to Kumano Gonge to dedicate abolt of silk to a deity. However, on his way tothe shrine, he took a detour and visited
Otonashi Tenjin, so he got tied up for being
tardy. But Tenjin (god of heaven) entered afemale medium and came to his rescue. The
medium dances kagura in a state of possession. It is unique that a Shite dances in a stateof possession already from the beginning andnot starting from the middle of the play. The
quick tempo of the climax scene where theShite dances in madness is particularly
impressive.

Han'nya(/HUU`HTHZRL_WYLZZLZH]LUNLM\SMLTHSLNOVZ[Yoshitsune, one of the most popular men in
Japanese history, is the main character in thisstory and appears as a general who fell into
the circle of permanent strife after death.
While describing how the bloody war was
raging, the beautiful scenery of a spring nightis incorporated.

Tomoe
Tomoe Gozen is the main character in this play. It is the
only play in Shura-Noh which has a woman as its protagonist. The ghost of Tomoe Gozen, beloved concubine andvassal of Yoshinaka, talks about the resentment that she
could not die with Yoshinaka and shows the struggle ofbeing a female warrior in a dance.

Fifth Category

Noh plays from the fifth group are the last to be performed at a Noh eventwith the protagonists being Oni (demons), Tengu (mountain spirits), or Yosei(sprites). They are called “Kiri-Noh” (final plays).
A popular play on Sado Island:

Funa Benkei

It is a popular play in which Yoshitsune, Benkei,
and Shizuka Gozen, historical characters
everybody knows, appear. The story has Benkei
as its central figure. Having even two Shite, witha beautiful courtesan as the Mae-Shite and a
vengeful spirit as the Nochi-Shite, it is a very
unusual piece. While a graceful dance is shown in
the first act, a rough dance in which a Japanese
halberd is shaken is performed in the latter act.
Both acts are completely different in rhythm, as
well.

Doji
(+VQPTHZRL_WYLZZLZHIV`^P[OLSÄUT`Z[PX\L

nd
sla
oI

r plays on
pula
Sa
Po
d

Two Notable Noh Stories@V\JHULU[LY[OL^VYSKVM5VOTVYLZTVV[OS`PM`V\RUV^[OLZ[VY`VMHWSH`PUHK]HUJL
So, let us introduce the stories of two plays that are often performed on Sado Island.

Shojo

Hagoromo

It is a folklore that had been told in China. Shojo is said to have a red face
and to be fond of liquor. In Noh, Shojo is often performed on happy
occasions.

In the Legend of the Feather Mantle, Tennyo reluctantly became the wifeof a man. In the Noh play, however, Tennyo got the feather mantle back by
performing a dance and returned to heaven. The highlights are the sea ofspring, the pine grove in Miho, and the dancing scene of Tennyo wearing
the beautiful mantle. It can be seen as an introduction to Noh plays.

Shojo, the legendary animal, brings good people happiness.

Shite: Shojo

Waki: Kofu

The theme is the “Legend of the Feather Mantle” with its
highlight being the dance of Tennyo, a celestial nymph.

Shite: Tennyo

Waki: Hakuryo

Once upon a time,
there was a man called Kofu
in China. He was a very
obedient son to his parents.
One night he had a dreamthat he was to become rich if
he sold liquor at the market.

A fisherman named
Hakuryo found a beautiful
mantle on the branch of apine tree on his way home.

When he did just that, he really
started to get rich gradually.
There was a man who came to Kofu's
shop to drink liquor every market day.
But no matter how much that man
drank, he never got drunk. Kofu
wondered who he was and asked. The
man answered that he was Shojo,
living under the sea.

He wanted to take it homewhen a woman who called
herself Tennyo appeared andpleaded with him to give it backto her.
But Hakuryo had no intentionof returning it to her because hethought it was a rare treasure.

At a beautiful moonlit night
Kofu waited for Shojo at thesea shore.

Tennyo wailed in sorrow that
she would not be able to go
back to heaven without the
mantle. Hakuryo felt a little
sorry for her and proposedthat he would return it if she
danced for him.

After a while, Shojo
appeared, drank liquor anddanced joyous.

Tennyo agreed. She told him
how the moon world was andpraised the beauty of the pine
grove in Miho.

Then, Shojo gave Kofu aSake jug that would neverrun dry no matter how much
Sake he poured, and left.

But she went up to
heaven while dancing.

Shojo
Shojo is a mask of a drunk, dancing sprite.

Zo'onnaAVVUUHPZHNYHJLM\SMLTHSLTHZRHSZVL_WYLZZPUNKP]PUP[`Let's stand on
a Noh stage

What is Shimai?

Shimai is a dance that expresses the key elements of a specificNoh play accompanied by a chorus. The Shimai dancers usually
dance in a crested kimono and hakama without masks andcostumes. Also, the play of flute and drums is omitted.

@V\TH`HJ[\HSS`Z[HUKVUH5VOZ[HNLHUKKHUJL`V\YZLSM/H]LHIVKPS`ZLUZH[PVU
VM[OLHWWLHSVM5VO[OH[`V\JHUUV[NYHZWI`VIZLY]H[PVUVUS`This is how it goes:Experience Shimai – learning by doingst Step – Put on Tabi
(Japanese split-toe socks)

UK:[LW¶4HZ[LY¸2HTHL¹[OLIHZPJWVZ[\YL
In Noh, the upright posture of “Kamae”
is the starting point for every movement.

To keep a stable stance, stand upright,
lean forward slightly, and stick out yourbuttocks a little. Keep your feet straight
together and your knees bent slightly.

The most basic part of the experienceis to put on white Tabi. Turn the upper
half of the socks inside out and slide
the tips of your toes inside. Thenfasten the clasps on the heel partstarting from the bottom.

YK:[LW¶>HSRVU[OLZ[HNL^P[O¸:\YP(ZOP¹(sliding feet).

After having mastered how to stand andkneel down, you will learn how to walk with
“Suri-Ashi”. Lower your hips and slide yourfeet forward in short steps with bended
knees, starting with the left foot and briefly
stop at the even numbered steps with both
feet together. When going backwards, youalso start with the left foot with the rhythm
being based on three odds – left, right, left.



When seating yourself on the floor, in the motion of kneeling
down, keep your back vertical and pull your right foot back. Finish
the move by resting your hands on the center of your thighs. When
resuming Kamae from this position, hold the fan in your righthand, use your right knee to slowly push yourself up until you
reach the starting posture again.

th Step – How to hold, open, and use a fan
The fan is an important prop for Noh
performers. Various things are being
expressed with it. To hold a fan correctly,
put the fan's pivot in the middle of yourpalm and hold it between your thumband fore finger.

th Step – The expression of the state of mind

Hold
Open

In Noh, subtle states of mind are expressed by specific movements
called “Shosa”; by extension and reduction of the posture, changes inrhythm, or handling of the fan. To express happiness, for example,
the Noh actor turns his face up a little, changing the angle of themask he's wearing. To express sadness, the actor turns his face down.
Crying is expressed by putting one hand with straight fingers close to
the eyes. To express deeper sadness, the actor brings both hands close
to the eyes.

Ja;OPZTHZRZ[HUKZMVY[OLMHJLVMH^VTHU^OVJOHUNLKPU[VHZUHRLK\L[VL_JLZZP]LOH[YLKClose

To open it, attach your left hand under
the paper part of the fan and open it bypushing it towards your body. To closeit, fold it down in reverse.

Kasshiki
Kasshiki is the face of a young man who is half monk and half layman.

能舞台

Noh Stages
on Sado Island

●

❹

▲

Mt. Donden▲

Mt. Kimpoku

Ryotsu
Port

●

❻ ●

Sado Gold Mine

❷
⑧
❸

●

⑩
350
⑾ ⑦●

●

At one point there were over 200 Noh stages on Sado Island.
Many of them have been preserved and are still in use. Let'svisit the mysterious and serene world of Noh.

●

Toki Forest Park
Komponji Temple ●

350 ●
●
●
●
●
●
●

❺

●

●

⑨● ●

● ●

Kokubunji Temple

Daizen Shrine Noh Stage❶⑿● Existing Noh stages

●
●

●
●
●

Noh performances on the[O VM (WYPS [OL ÄYZ[Sunday in June, and in
the middle of August●

Mano Goryo Mausoleum●

Watatsu Shrine

●

●

⒀

R65

❶ Daizen Shrine

Ogi Port

Kusakari Shrine Noh StageNoh performances on the
15th of June and in early
September
To Ryotsu PortThis shrine has one of the mostbeautiful Noh stages on Sado
Island with a thatched roof. It is
designated by the prefecture as atangible cultural folk asset.

Naito-Densei

Lake Kamo

To Ryotsu PortThis Noh stage is located on ahill with an excellent view of the
Osado Mountain range and Lake
Kamo. It is registered as atangible cultural folk asset.

GS

Haguro Shrine has a small Nohstage and is registered astangible cultural folk asset by
the prefecture.

To Niibo area

Harakuro〒

To Ryotsu Port
Lake Kamo

Anyoji

Homma
Family´s
Noh Stage

Ushio Shrine ❸Other Noh performances

Around the beginning of June Kanko Teirei Noh at Kanai Noh-Gakudo Hall ⑦
Onnatachi no Kokoromi, “Bunya no Yube to
Yanoh” (Bunya Puppet Theater and Evening
Noh for Women) at Kanai Noh-Gakudo Hall ⑦

Shoboji Temple Rosoku-Noh (Candle Light Noh) ⑾Kumano Shrine Takigi-Noh ⑨

A Noh stage surrounded by aforest. It is designated as atangible cultural folk asset by
Niigata prefecture.

Last Sunday of July

Homma Family's Noh Stage regular performance ⑧

14th of August

Ocean Takigi Noh at Oda Port ⒀To Niibo area

Niibo-Katagami

Noh performances in June,
August, and October.
Beach

At the beginning of August Tenryo Seminar at Kanai Noh-Gakudo Hall ⑦

To Nanaura-Kaigan

Furusato Week at Kanai Noh-Gakudo Hall ⑦

Uto Shrine❹

Niku Shrine Takigi Noh ⑩

Zeami Kuyo-Sai at Kanai Noh-Gakudo Hall ⑦

R65

Kasuga Shrine Noh StageNoh play dedicated to Hino Koki at Myosenji
Temple ⑿Obeshimi
An Obeshimi mask is used to depict Tengu.

Shiizaki Suwa
ShrineR65

Sado Green
Hotel Kiraku

Noh performance on the
12th of June

Daiseiin Temple
R350

JA Sado❷Ushio Shrine Noh StageCar Driving School❻ Haguro Shrine

Third Saturday in August

To Ryotsu Port

Hamochi-Hongo

Noh performance on the
fourth Saturday in August

15th of August

TakedaGS

To Ogi Port

Haguro Shrine Noh Stage

3rd of July

Myosenji Temple
To Ryotsu PortNoh performances on theÄYZ[ :H[\YKH` PU 4H`
June, July, September
and October, and usuallyin the middle of August.

❺This shrine has a Noh stage with
an impressive thatched roof andis designated as tangible cultural
folk asset by Niigata prefecture.

Sesonji Temple
To Kokubunji Temple

Shiizaki-Suwa Shrine Noh Stage

R350
Kusakari Shrine

In the middle of June

Hiyoshi Shrine

To Ogi Port

Kasuga Shrine was reconstructed
in 2005. It is said to be the birthplace of Noh on Sado Island.

GS〒

Kasuga Shrine

R31

To Ryotsu Port

Aikawa-Orito

SankojoThis mask represents the face of an old man who is damned to do penance even after death.

How to appreciate Noh– Thorough examination of the Noh Stage
The so-called prototype of a Noh stage that remains in Kasuga-Taisha Shrine in
Nara was a piled-up mound of earth. It is believed that the natural backgroundwhen it was still performed outside is reproduced in present Noh stages.
On Sado Island you can see the special kinds of ideas in accordance with thearrangements of a Noh stage against the backdrop of various naturalenvironments, such as the sea, mountains or paddy fields. They may not be
sophisticated, but the simple Noh stages taking advantage of the common
people's wisdom is a charming point only to be found here.

Each spot of a Noh stage
OHZHZWLJPÄJTLHUPUNIn this section we will
discuss the general
structure of a Noh stage.

3

●

4

●

●

8

●

●

Kagami no Ma

7

6

2

1

●

●

●

5

Agemaku Hashigakari

Atoza

Joza

Kagamiita

1 Fuebashira

Fuebashira is the one of the four pillars on the main stage
in the rear right corner as seen front-up. The flute players
sit in that spot.

2 Wakibashira

Wakibashira is the one of the four pillars on the mainstage in the front right corner. The Waki-actor usuallywaits there for his part.

3 MetsukebashiraMetsukebashira is the pillar in the front left corner of thestage. The Shite confirms his position with this pillar as
aid since the Shite's view becomes very narrow wearing
the mask.

4 ShitebashiraThis is the pillar in the rear left corner. It is the border
between the stage and the Hashigakari, the narrow bridgeto the left of the stage. When the Shite appears, he stands
there at first.

5 Ichi-no-Matsu ;OLÄYZ[WPUL[YLL
6 Ni-no-Matsu (Second pine tree.)
7 San-no-Matsu (Third pine tree.)

The pine trees are counted starting from the one closest to
the main stage, from right to left, and are getting smaller
the farther they are away from the stage to create
perspective. They are also used by the Shite to confirm
his position on stage. It is also believed that they represent
the pine wood from when the stages where still open-air.

8 Kiridoguchi

Kiridoguchi is a small door on the side of the Kagamiita(the painting of a pine tree in the back of the stage). It is
the doorway for the Jiutai chorus and Koken (stage
assistants).

Semimaru
The mask of a noble boy who was abandoned because of his blindness.

Hon-Butai

Jiutaiza

Hon-Butai

The main stage. It is about six meters long on each side with four pillars at its
corners. However, on Sado Island, many Noh stages are a bit smaller. Every
part of the storyline of a tale is reproduced on stage by the actors using
minimalized movements with specific meanings to them (“Shosa”). It is said
that one step of Suri-Ashi (sliding feet) expresses thousand miles.

Jiutaiza

This is where the members of the chorus (Jiutai) sit. The chorus usuallyconsists of eight members sitting in two rows facing the audience. The ones inthe back take the lead.

Atoza

The space in front of the Kagamiita where the musicians and stage assistants
sit is called Atoza.

Kagamiita

Kagamiita is the background of the stage with a pine tree painted on it. It
makes the voices of the actors and the music resonate from it. The design ofthe pine tree differs depending on the stage.

Joza

This is the spot where performances start and end; where the Shite and Waki
appear and enter the stage. It is here, where the self-introduction takes place
and the key points of the plot are explained.

Hashigakari

Hashigakari is the bridgeway between the backstage (Kagami no Ma) and themain stage. It also represents a link between the present world, which is themain stage, and the world of the dead, the Kagami no Ma.

Agemaku

The curtain dividing the Hashigakari and the Kagami no Ma is called
Agemaku. It is pushed open to one side when the musicians appear, and pulled
up inward with two bamboo poles when the Shite and Waki get on stage.

Kagami no Ma

This is the so-called backstage – a room with a big mirror next to the curtain. The
actors put on their costumes and masks in this room. When they are ready, themusicians start to play “Oshirabe” (turning up); the signal that the play begins.

Yorimasa
The expression on this mask shows the resentment of Yorimasa for not being able to defeat the Taira clan.

Protect the treasure of the island and hand it down
to the next generation

There are no other places than Sado Island where Noh is integrated into everyday
life. Noh plays are supported by Noh enthusiasts who diligently study Noh here.
It is said that there are about two hundred Noh fans presently engaging in Nohon the island (about 150 registered members in Sado Island's Noh Theater
Association). Nowadays, Noh is introduced to the integrated study periods at theisland's elementary and junior high schools. The
circles of “the guardians of Noh” are spreading
steadily as the classical Japanese popular
entertainment alive on Sado Island.
If you are interested in learning more about
Noh, feel free to call Sado Tourism Association(TEL: 0259-27-5000).
Homma Family's Noh Stage

Sado Island and Noh;OL ÄYZ[ THNPZ[YH[L ZLU[ I` [OL
Shogunate to manage affairs related
to the newly discovered Gold Mine
was the one who brought two Noh
actors from Nara to Sado Island in
1604, thereby setting the foundation.
Four hundred years have passed since[OLU I\[ 5VO YLTHPUZ ÄYTS`established in the everyday lives of thepeople of Sado Island.

Activities to revive Noh

Finding a new value in Noh on Sado Island– “Sado no Noh wo Shirukai-Association”
The association was established in 2005 for the purpose ofvitalizing Noh on Sado Island from a new point of view.
They promote, for example, Bunya Puppet Theater andShoboji Temple
Evening Noh for women, or “Rosoku Noh” (Candle Light
Noh) at Shoboji Temple – a temple noted in connection with Zeami. For more
information please contact Sado Tourism Association (TEL: 0259-27-5000).
To get a new understanding of the existing Noh stages and thevalue of Takigi Noh plays (torch-lit Noh performances at night).
The booklet “Noh Island Sado Tour Guide” published by
Sado's Institute for Cultural Property gives information
about Takigi Noh plays and share the value of the Nohstages on Sado Island. An annual schedule of all planned
performances and a map of all Noh stages are included.
For more information, please contact Sado Island's
Institute for Cultural Property NPO (TEL: 0259-57-0118)
or Sado Tourism Association (TEL: 0259-27-5000).

Messages from Noh enthusiasts on Sado Island
I am very happy
that my grandson isinterested in Noh.

Sado Island became a demesne of the Bakufu (military
government) after the discovery of the gold vein. It is said that
Okubo Nagayasu, the first magistrate, was a Noh actor
himself. When he brought two Noh actors with him, hededicated Noh to the island's shrines.
Forty years after Okubo Nagayasu's arrival, the Hommafamily opened the Hosho school of Noh. This led to the
spreading of Noh to the common people and the sense thatdancing Noh was an “accomplishment of men” began to takeroot.
The Noh stages still existing on Sado Island, the Takigi Nohperformances, and the Noh playwright Zeami who got exiled
to Sado Island even 170 years before Okubo Nagayasu camehere – the history of Noh is still fascinating people nowadays.

The History of Noh on Sado Island
1434 The Noh playwright Zeami (aka Kanze Motokiyo) got
exiled to Sado Island.
1436 Zeami wrote “Kintosho” (The Island of Gold).
1604 Okubo Nagayasu, the magistrate sent by the Bakufu
to oversee affairs regarding the gold mine, brought
two Noh playwrights with him from Nara to Sado
Island.

He is an active Noh performer of the Hosho school although he's already very
old. His grandson started learning Noh when he was five. They performed
together in “Funabenkei”.
The earphone guide
will make Noh easier toappreciate.
Please enjoy Takigi Noh whilestaying at Shiizaki Onsen
wearing Yukata and Geta.
They are not only staff members of Sado Tourism Association but also shrine
maidens at “Ryotsu Tenryo Takigi Noh” at Shiizaki Suwa Shrine. They havebeen shrine maidens for about ten years. The role of shrine maiden who
receives fire from the gods is very important in divine service Noh.
After knowing the summary of theplay, it became much easier toreally enter the world of Noh.
We are moved by the world that is created by
Noh. It even translates through the viewfinderof a camera.
Noh Shooting Tricks

It is advised to bring a tripod stand with you as there are many Takigi Noh(i.e. at night) performances on Sado Island. Be sure to avoid using flash. The
flash light disturbs the actors who only have a narrow view through theirmasks and it destroys the atmosphere. The use of color correcting filters ishighly recommended as the color of pictures is influenced by the light source.
Heita
Heita represents the bravest man of war and a military leader in the middle ages.

1636 Divine service Noh started in Kasuga Shrine.
1645 :HKV 0ZSHUKZ ÄYZ[ 5VO Z[HNL ^HZ I\PS[ PU 2HZ\NH
Shrine.
1651 Homma Hidenobu was appointed to be chairman ofH5VONYV\WI`[OLTHNPZ[YH[LVMÄJLHUK[O\Z[OLÄYZ[NLULYH[PVUVM[OL/VTTH-HTPS`ZVUNVPUN5VO
tradition.
1805 Divine service Noh started to be held at several
shrines around the island.
1846 The Noh stage of Daizen Shrine was reconstructed.
1883 2HULRV9`\[HYVMYVT5PZOP4PRH^HILJHTL[OLÄYZ[chairman of the Kaga Hosho school of Noh on Sado
Island and constructed a Noh stage the following year.
1885 Homma Family's Noh Stage was reconstructed.
1909 The Sado Island Noh Theater Club was founded.
1919 The Sado Island Noh Theater Association (Nishi-Mikawa school) was founded.
1924 The poet Omachi Keigetsu wrote the Haiku: “Uguisu
ya – jikko no mura no – nohbutai”. It means that
there is a Noh stage even in a village with only ten
households.
1969 Master Nomura Ransaku became a living nationaltreasure.
1975 Master Homma Fusataka became a living nationaltreasure of Noh.
1997 Eight Noh stages on Sado Island were designatedas tangible folk assets by Niigata prefecture.
Okina
Okina is said to be a god-like mask which stands for longevity.

The Difference Between Noh and Kyogen
Noh and Kyogen appeared around the same time and have often been
performed as a set. Let's compare the differences.

Noh
There are four parts: Shite, Waki,
Kyogen, and Hayashi. The fiveexisting schools of
Shite are Kanze, Hosho,
Komparu, Kongo, andKita. They are different
in plays, melody, andlyrics of Utai (songs),
movements, direction
or costumes.

KyogenActorsWhat isNoh?

There is a Shite, lead actor anddirector, and an Ado, actor playing
opposite the lead. Two schools ofKyogen still remain at present – one
is Okura, and the other one is Izumi.
The Okura school has its base inTokyo and Kansai, while Izumi isbased in Tokyo and Nagoya. The
plays are generally performed by theschool unit.

Masks and Costumes

Noh-costumes are called “Shozoku”
and represent the beauty of Noh.
They used to be simple in the earlystages, but they became moremagnificent towards the end of the
Muromachi period and stylized
during the Edo period. The Shite andpart of the “Tsure” (supporting roles)
wear a mask; the Waki does not wear
one. This is said to be due to the
Waki representing a real person
while the Shite represents non-humanbeings, such as deities, ghosts, or
spirits. The Shite sometimes appears
on stage without a mask and acts as if
he is wearing one. There are over 200
kinds of masks and they are roughly
divided into six groups.

As Kyogen describes the real world,
the actors usually don't wear masks
and the costumes are simple. Kataginu(shoulder pad-like sleeveless gown)
and Kyogen-Bakama (Hakama) are
the typical costumes. Kataginu arefamous for their daring designs such as
Onigawara (face of a demon) or snails.
The split-toe socks (Tabi) are yellow.

From “Sangaku” to “Noh of Sarugaku”

Kyogen performers appear during theinterludes at Noh performances aspart of Noh. They also play the role offilling the time until the Nochi-Shite(Shite in the latter half of a Noh play)makes his appearance. There areabout 260 songs now, including
Waki-Kyogen, Daimyo-Kyogen,Shomyo-Kyogen or Oni, andYamabushi-Kyogen.

Basic Knowledge of Noh
What kind of roles are there? There are four major categories of Nohperformers: Shite, Waki, Kyogen, and Hayashi. With actors of every category playing their part a Noh play is being performed.
The Shite PartThe Shite (lead actor), Tsure(supporting actor of the Shite),
Jiutai (a kind of chorus), Koken(sitting in the back of the stage
watching the progress of the playand sometimes playing the partof the Shite).

Noh is a form of Japanese theatrical arts consisting of Utai (singing) andHayashi (instrumentalists). Most of the main characters are non-humanbeings; Noh is a mysterious performance that describes the true nature andemotions of human beings in the afterlife. Until the Edo period it had beencalled “Noh of Sarugaku” or “O-Noh” in short. It came tobe called “Nohgaku” in the Meiji period, including
Kyogen. Various emotions are condensed in one minimalized movement, and behind the seemingly emotionlessmask, many kinds of expressions are hidden.
Noh is the theatrical art form that Japanese are mostfamiliar with and have handed down for centuries. Be
open-minded about Noh and feel the beauty of it.

The History of Noh

Kinds of Plays

In total, there are about 240 Noh
plays. They are divided into fivecategories. A Noh day program used
to be organized so that plays of all
five categories were performed.
However, that has changed
nowadays.

Before actually going towatch a performance on
Sado Island, let's get to
RUV^TVYLHIV\[5VOÄYZ[What is Noh?
Once you mastered thebasic knowledge, you'll
feel more familiar with Noh.

The Waki Part
The Waki plays the part opposite the Shite andappears first on stage to explain the story to theaudience. He also confronts the Shite during the play.

The Kyogen PartThe Kyogen actors perform in between acts during
interludes but also perform plays separately.

The Hayashi Part
Hayashi are the musicians whoplay the instruments usuallyused in Noh theater. Fue-Kata(playing the transverse flute),
Kotsuzumi-Kata (playing theshoulder drum), Otsuzumi(playing the hip drum), andTaiko-Kata (playing the
stick-drum).

In the old days of the Nara period, “Gagaku” (or“Bugaku”) and “Sangaku” were imported from
China. Though “Gagaku” had been handed
down in the Imperial Court, “Sangaku” hadspread among the common people as public
entertainment mainly performing conjuring
tricks and acrobatics. Gradually it turned into
re-enactments of tales and short plays, which
are the roots of the present Noh and Kyogen.

Zeami perfected “the aesthetics of Noh”

In the Muromachi period, the father and son duo Kan'ami and Zeami
appeared. It is said that they put the Noh structure, that had become very
complicated, in order. The accomplishments of Kan'ami and Zeami caught
the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's attention, and under his patronage they
achieved greatness. Later, Zeami wrote “Fushi
Kaden” and completed the theory of Noh, centeringon the sense of beauty of “Yugen” (mysterious,
elegant simplicity). After Yoshimitsu died, Zeami
got exiled to Sado Island because of the next Shogun
Yoshinori's suppression, but Zeami's aesthetics anddiscussions about art has been highly evaluated.

The Completion of Noh Style and the “Iemoto System”
Even after Zeami's death, Noh was handed down. It was in the Momoyama period that the final form of Noh stages, masks and costumes werecompleted. Amateur groups appeared and Noh began to spread as anational drama. In the Edo period, however, Noh schools began toreceive a salary as the official performing arts of the Bakufu. In addition
to the traditional four schools, Kanze, Hosho, Komparu, and Kongo, Kita
was also approved by the Bakufu and began toreceive a salary. Starting from then, Nohbecame the classical performing art, and washanded down by the so-called “Iemoto
System”. “Iemoto” means the founder or
grand master of a certain school of art. In the
middle of the Edo period the form of Noh as
we know it now was completed.

What Kind of Masks Are There in Noh? Noh masks fall into six principal categories.
Okina-Style

The oldest mask
among all Nohmasks. It is usedin the play
“Okina” whichis regarded as
sacred in Nohtheater.

Old Man-Style(Jo-Kei)

It is used for a god ordeity thatappears inform of anold mantemporarily.

Male Style(Otoko-Kei)

This mask is mainly
used fortheleadingcharacterin dynastic
tales.

Female Style(Onna-Kei)

The mask isexpressionless. The
hair shows
its age.

Chujo
Chujo is said to stand for the face of Ariwara Narihira. It expressed the melancholy of a lead character.

Fierce Deity (Kijin-Kei)

This mask expresses the wraththat wards off evil spirits,
uncleanness or
wicked hearts. It is
an incarnation of a
Tengu (mountainspirit) or god but it
has no fangs.

Ghost, Spirit

This mask is worn by a militaryleader who died a regrettable
death, or by the deceased who
are unable to findrest because of the
lives he has taken,
or a woman madwith jealousy. It is amysterious maskwith golden eyes.

Ko-omote
Ko-omote is a typical female mask. Kempt hair represents a pure young lady.

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Date and time: every day, starting 10:00 am
The fan is an important prop for Noh
JA Sado(for about one hour)
performers. Various things
are Sado
being
ShiizakiGreen Hotel
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Admission: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000
for children
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Meeting Place: at the shrine
R65
palm and hold it between your thumb
To Niibo Area
Application: until seven days priortothescheduleddayand fore finger.
(by phone)
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Hold

Please contact: Sado Tourism Association, TEL 0259-27-5000

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Open

Close

To open it, attach your left hand under
the paper part of the fan and open it bypushing it towards your body. To closeit, fold it down in reverse.
https://sado-niigata.com/

Kasshiki
Cover Illustration: “Tempo Nenkan Aikawa Junikagetsu, Aikawa Nenchu-Gyoji
Ezu”
Kasshiki is the face of a young man who is half monk and half layman.