UPCOMING EVENTS

"Tanimachi Noh" - April Edition06.04.2024 (Sat) 13:00~17:00

Noh "Arashiyama", Noh "Hōkazō", Shimai "Sasa-no-dan", "Ami-no-dan" Kyōgen "Tachiubai"

CHECK OUR MONTLY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

ABOUT YAMAMOTO NOH THEATRE

Yamamoto Noh Theater is a three story Noh theater - a traditional wooden building rarely seen in Japan nowadays. It was founded by the 10th generation head of Yamamoto family, Hiroyuki Yamamoto in 1927. It is located in the former samurai residence area in the vicinity of Osaka Castle, right next to the Kumano Road - a main thoroughfare with a constant stream of people. In the days when Osaka was once called “Oo-osaka," and it was full of vigor and showcasing unprecedented liveliness, Yamamoto Noh Theatre was built with the intent to become the centerpiece of the social and cultural life of the gentry in the Senba area. Since the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the art of Noh in Osaka had undergone a transition from a mere “entertainment” to an art for practicing and learning. Since its creation, thousands of people have experienced and have become part of the history of Noh at Yamamoto Noh Theater.

activities

At Yamamoto Noh Theater, visitors can enjoy various kinds of traditional Japanese performing arts, including Noh plays and Kyogen comic plays, both of which have been designated by UNESCO as World's Intangible Cultural Heritage. In some of the performances, subtitles are available in English, Chinese and Korean.

In addition to traditional performances, Yamamoto Noh Theater organizes various programs for visitors: tours of the Noh stage and dressing rooms, lectures on Noh plays, trying on Noh costumes and classes in "utai" - Noh chant. Under the guidance of Noh masters, visitors can walk on the Noh stage with masks on, and try playing musical instruments used in Noh performances. 

CHECK OUR MONTLY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

WHAT IS NOH?

Noh, the world's oldest mask drama, traces its origins back about 650 years and stands as an unparalleled form of ancient theatrical art. Recognized as a World Intangible Cultural Treasure by UNESCO in 2008, Noh embodies centuries of Japanese cultural heritage. Its roots lie in the transformative work of actor-playwrights Kan’ami and Zeami during the 14th century, under the patronage of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, which elevated Noh to a revered performing art among the upper classes. Amidst the upheavals of the 16th-century civil wars, Noh flourished, drawing support from military figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and evolving into a ritualistic practice known as shikigaku during the Edo period. Despite facing crises during the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Noh found renewed patronage from the noble class and government officials, ensuring its enduring legacy as a classical art form. Noh's timeless themes, including longing, love, war, and peace, resonate with universal human emotions and beckon audiences to immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of storytelling. Join us in experiencing the unbroken tradition of Noh—an art that transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul, inviting all to embrace the spirit of Japan.

our apps

Yamamoto Noh Theater collaborates with our partner, Team OKINA, to develop a range of smartphone, tablet, and desktop apps. Our goal is to bridge the gap between the analog world of Japan's traditional performing arts and the digital realm. All our apps are provided free of charge and are accessible in both English and Japanese, catering to audiences of all ages, including children and adults alike. With our digital portal, users can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Noh theater and experience its beauty and significance regardless of their device or location.

CHECK ALL APPS BY Team OKINA

CONTACTS

Yamamoto Nohgakudo Theater
Tokuicho 1-3-6, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-0025, Japan
TEL:+81-6-6943-9454 FAX: +81-6-6942-5744
Email: info@noh-theater.com