We are no longer accepting advance reservations.
Please make a same-day reservation instead at
EXPO.
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
1st Performance: 13:00
2nd Performance: 16:30
Doors open: 1 hour before each performance
Performance duration: Approximately 70 minutes
Venue: EXPO Hall “Shine Hat”, inside the Osaka-Kansai Expo site
A special collaboration with KURAGE Band, led by Expo Theme Producer Sachiko Nakajima.
Live narration by Yuriko Yamaguchi, actress and voice talent known for roles such as Ritsuko Akagi in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Nico Robin in One Piece.
Join the world of traditional Japanese performing arts—Noh.
Audience members are invited to sing in the jiutai (chorus) and help bring the performance to life.
Please practice the lyrics and melody of the chorus part in advance so you can sing along on the day.
Lyrics from the second half of “Circle of Water”
Written by Akihiro Yamamoto
Mizu no inochi wa kazukazu ni. Mizu no inochi wa kazukazu ni.
Osamaru miyo no. Hitobito wa.
Tsunokuni Naniwa no satozato ni.
Kuni mo sayuru Ōsaka no. Shizuka ni yutaka naru nadokoro no.
Nioi meguru ya. Haruka naru.
Yaoyorozuyo ni.
Makotobito wa. Moto no izumi ni.
Megumarete. Moto no izumi ni.
Megumarete. Tsukisenu mizu koso. Medetakere.
⸻
Call for Participants: Help Create “The Sacred Pine of Life”
In Japan, it has long been believed that gods dwell in pine trees.
That is why aged pines (ōmatsu) are traditionally painted on the back panels of Noh stages, where sacred performing arts are offered to deities.
Because pine trees do not shed their leaves and stay green year-round, they are considered symbols of vitality and good fortune.
Express the brilliance of life by creating your own sacred pine leaf—an auspicious symbol that welcomes divine presence.
How to receive your pine leaf template:
If you wish to participate, please contact Yamamoto Noh Theater by email or phone.
You can collect the pine leaves in person at the theater.
For schools, companies, or other groups of 20 or more participants (20 leaves or more), shipping is available.
Design your Sacred Pine Leaf freely using colored paper, crayons, pens, or paints—anything you like.
Once your artwork is complete, let it dry completely, then package and return it to the address below:
Contact and return address for “Sacred Pine Leaf”:
Yamamoto Noh Theater Foundation
Attn: “Sacred Pine Leaf Art”
1-3-6 Tokuimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0025
Tel: 06-6943-9454
Email: expo2025-yamamoto@noh-theater.com
Schedule:
June 18 – Used on stage during the “Circle of Water” performance at the Shine Hat, Osaka-Kansai Expo
September 18 – Displayed at the Italy Pavilion event space alongside hospital art
From October – A large-scale Sacred Pine installation will be exhibited at the R
