Public Interest Incorporated Association TESSEN-KAI
Established in 1918 and led by the Kanze Tetsunojo family, a branch family founded in the late-Edo period when Kanze Sakon was the 15th grand master of the Kanze School. In more modern times, under the leadership of Kanze Hisao, eldest son of 7th generation leader Kanze Tetsunojo, the group took a fresh look at Noh from a broader performing arts perspective, receiving high acclaim for a concentrated performance style resulting from the group’s philosophy of placing value on every role. The group has continued with this philosophy since Hisao’s death; under the late 8th generation leader Tetsunojo and the subsequent grand master Tetsunojo 9th, Tessen-kai continues to engage in theatrical projects that resonate with today’s audience, including the reevaluation of ways to direct and produce traditional/existing works.