Learning Noh Workshop
Business Overview
A workshop was held for beginners to experience the practical skills of utai and shimai based on the Noh play Hajitomi.
From March to May 2026, a total of 12 training sessions were held on the Manzaburo UMEWAKA family Noh stage, which is used by active Noh actors for daily training, and 22 participants learned the kata and utai of Shimai 'Hajitomikiri' in 6 sessions per person.
The instructors were Noriyoshi UMEWAKA and Shicho UMEWAKA, Kanze-ryu shite-kata Nohgakushi, and as part of the training, they demonstrated the costumes and masks and tried wearing them.
On June 6, a recital was held on the stage, and all the participants presented their achievements on the stage. The participants ranged from those in their 20s to those in their 80s, including some from overseas. After the performance, the program was connected to an actual Noh performance, and by combining the practical experience with the performance, it was aimed at fostering continuous Nohgaku lovers.
- Period of Activity / Project
- [Training] Friday, March 13, 2026 - Sunday, May 24
[Recital] Saturday, June 6, 2026 - Venues
- UMEWAKA Manzaburo Noh Stage Umewaka Manzaburo Noh Stage (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
Profile
[Chokokai]
Established in 1988. It was established as a group of disciples of Norinaga UMEWAKA, a Noh actor playing shite-kata (main roles) of Kanze-ryu school, and they continue to hold monthly lessons and recitals based on the Noh stage of Manzaburo UMEWAKA's family in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
In addition to holding rehearsals and recitals in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, they are working to spread and promote Nohgaku and pass on traditional Japanese culture by cooperating with Nohgaku performances and holding workshops for beginners.
The representative is Shiho UMEWAKA.