Nohgaku, a world-class traditional performing art

Nohgaku, Japan’s world-class traditional performing art, is a comprehensive art form that combines dance, music, and drama.

During the Edo period (1603-1867), Noh became the dance and music of the shogunate, and Noh performances were held by the feudal lords on the stage of Shimabara Castle, and eventually spread to the people of the domain, who were invited to perform.

Shimabara has a long history and culture of Noh and Kyogen.
The Matsudaira Bunko, a record of the Shimabara domain, contains many books on Noh and Kyogen.

Noh Programs

Part I Shimabara Kyogen

• Hizen Shimabara Children’s Kyogen
• Ritual: Fire-introduction ceremony

Part 2: Shimabara Castle Firelit Noh Play

• Kyogen by Izumi-ryu Kyogen
  “Sanbon no Hashira (The Three Pillars)” by Manroku Nomura
• Kanze-style dance
  “Yumihachiman” by Tetsuro Morimoto
  “Noh, Nomiya (The Shrine of the Wild)” KIMASA KANZE
• Kanze School of Noh
  “Funabenkei” by Masamoto Umano