Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey-ha

About the Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey

The Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey is a project which focuses on the traditional performance art of Nohgaku, an art from which is closely related to the temple of Jindaiji in Chofu City. The three-year project will run through 2020.  

The project includes annual performances of Nohgaku theater, courses through which to learn about Nohgaku, and outreach projects held at locations throughout the city of Chofu.

In autumn this year Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey will hold an art exhibition showcasing the talents of up-and-coming artists under the theme of "Nohgaku."

New performances of Nohgaku, on the theme of “Chofu,” are planned for 2020, the final year of the project.

Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey provides opportunities for more people to enjoy Nohgaku, shining a light on the traditional art form from a variety of perspectives.

Nohgaku has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is one of the prides Japan. The Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey introduces the allure of this traditional Japanese performance art.

The term “odyssey” refers to “a long voyage,” “an adventure,” or “an intellectual quest.” In this way then, the Chofu Nohgaku Odyssey is an adventure through the past, present and future of Nohgaku. The project will offer attractive and creative programs that connect important Japanese traditions, that have been guarded and nurtured by our predecessors, with the future.

**NB: “Noh” and “koygen” come under the collective term “nohgaku.”

Shu-ha-ri exhibit 

This exhibit features the past, present, and future of Nohgaku with works by Nohgaku performer Gasho Yamanaka and mask artist Am.

See classic exhibits of Nohgaku masks, costumes, and fans (including those from the Edo period) plus works that incorporate modern art and design to create a timeless feel that transcends every era from the Jomon period to the present day.

Schedule: September 14 (Saturday) through November 4 (Monday/public holiday), 10:00 AM-6:00 PM 

Venue: Cultural Hall Tazukuri 1F, exhibition room 

Sponsored by: Chofu Board of Education, J:COM, Chofu FM 83.8 MHz, Chofu International Friendship Association

In cooperation with: The National Nohgaku Theater

With support from: Japan Arts Fund

Foundation for the promotion of Chofu city's culture and community homepage

Photo by Tetsuro Chiharada

Little Gallery: Tepore Mask Studio mask exhibit

Exhibit of the works of Tokiro Kato, who has been making masks and teaching mask-making workshops in Chofu City for over 40 years Don’t miss these vibrant, expressive masks used for both Kyogen and Nohgaku performances. August will mainly feature unique Kyogen masks with fun expressions, while September will mainly feature Nohgaku masks that exude traditional Japanese beauty.

Schedule: August 1 (Thursday) through September 29 (Sunday)

Venue: Cultural Hall Tazukuri 9F, Little Gallery

Performance: Kyogen x Mirai x Nohgaku

Venue: Kusunoki Hall (Tazukuri 2F)

Schedule: October 6 (Sunday) Kyogen at 2:00 PM, Nohgaku at 3:30 PM

Reserved seating (tickets good for all performances)

Art Plus Members: ¥2,700

General admission: ¥3,000

U22/non-Japanese: ¥1,000

Note: Japanese guidance/English translation services available

Open seating

Kyogen tickets: ¥1,600 Nohgaku tickets: ¥1,600

Note: No discounts for different types of open seating

Performance　

Kyogen:

Igui, Negi Yamabushi

Yasuyuki Shimada, Tomoyuki Shimada (child actor), Daijiro Zenchiku (Okura school), and others

Nohgaku: Tsunemasa

Tsubame Yamanaka (Kanze school), Jindai-ji Temple children’s Takigi-nohgaku group, and others

Director: Gasho Yamanaka (Kanze school)

Sponsored by: Chofu Board of Education, J:COM, Chofu FM 83.8 MHz, Chofu International Friendship Association

In cooperation with: The National Nohgaku Theater

With support from: Japan Arts Fund

For more information, contact the Arts Promotion Section (Green Hall) at 042-481-7611

Photo by Yumi Shingu