Kanazawa is a fascinating tourist destination where beautiful nature and historical streets are in harmony. The traditional Japanese performing art of Noh(能) is deeply rooted here. If you visit Kanazawa as a tourist, why not try watching a Noh performance? Noh is one of Japan’s classical theatre forms, and its beautiful stage art gives visitors a unique emotional impact. Kaga Hōshō(加賀宝生), one of the major schools of Noh that developed in Kanazawa, is of particular historical value and is recommended as a cultural experience unique to Kanazawa.
Noh is a classical Japanese performing art established in the Muromachi period (14th century) and is a comprehensive art form that combines dance, music, and poetry. Its most distinctive feature is that the performers, dressed in Noh masks(能面) and beautiful costumes, perform the story on a dedicated Noh stage. The serene yet deeply moving and unique stage expression is a major attraction of Noh.
Noh originally developed as Sarugaku(猿楽) and was established as Nohgaku(能楽) after the Meiji Restoration. Many supernatural beings such as gods, warriors, spirits, plants, and animals appear in the plays, and stories are developed depicting human emotions and emotional conflicts. These stories are often based on classical literature or historical tales and reflect an aesthetic sense known as yūgen(幽玄).
The performers of Noh are made up of a leading actor called shite(シテ), supporting roles such as waki(ワキ) and tsure(ツレ), a chorus called jiutai, and musicians called hayashikata. The shite is the focal point of the story, drawing the audience’s attention with his dances and gestures. The waki, on the other hand, complements the shite’s performance and advances the story. Jiutai chants the background of the story and the emotions of the characters, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the stage.
The Noh performance is made up of ‘utai’ (chanting 謡) and ‘shosa’ (gestures 所作). The chanting is performed using a unique vocal technique and has a musical element unique to Noh. The movements are performed with a particular posture (kamae カマエ) and gait (hakobi ハコビ) in order to show beautiful and stable movements even when wearing Noh masks and costumes. These movements have been refined to the utmost limit over a long history.
The music of Noh consists of instruments such as the flute, kotsuzumi (small hand drum), ōtsuzumi (large hand drum), and taiko (drum), and is an important element in creating the worldview of the entire stage, together with the shite’s performance and jiutai (chants). The hayashikata are not mere accompaniment but play a role in enhancing the emotional impact of the story and drawing out the audience’s imagination.
The history of Noh theatre in Kanazawa dates back to the Edo period when the Maeda family of the Kaga domain supported its development. In particular, Maeda Tsunanori(前田綱紀), the fifth lord of the clan, introduced the Hōshō Ryu(宝生流), one of the major schools of Noh theatre, and worked to popularize it within the clan. Until then, the Kaga clan had mainly favored the Konparu Ryu, but Tsunanori, under the influence of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, adopted the Hōshō Ryu, which came to be known as Kaga Hōshō(加賀宝生).
The Kaga clan not only encouraged Noh as a form of education for the warriors but also made it widely available to the general populace, and as a result, Noh took root in the lives of the people of Kanazawa to the extent that it was even referred to as ‘chanting falling from the sky.’ Behind this was the cultural policy of the Kaga clan, which laid the foundations for the spread of Noh theatre throughout society.
With the collapse of the shogunate and clan system due to the Meiji Restoration, Kaga Hōshō also declined temporarily. However, local businessman Sano Kichinosuke(佐野 吉之助) invested his private fortune in the revival of Kaga Hōshō. He contributed to the preservation and popularization of Noh theatre by collecting Noh costumes and masks and establishing a Noh theatre. Thanks to Sano Kichinosuke’s efforts, the Kanazawa Nohgakukai(金沢能楽会) was established, and Kaga Hōshō once again became widely loved by the public. The organization, which was founded in 1901, continues to preserve the tradition of Kaga Hōshō to this day and spreads its appeal through regular performances.
As you can see, Kaga Hōshō is a traditional art deeply rooted in the history and culture of Kanazawa. Knowing the beauty of Noh theatre and its historical value will enrich your stay in Kanazawa. We encourage you to see a Noh/Kaga Hōshō performance when you visit Kanazawa. You are sure to enjoy a special experience of classical Japanese culture.
For information on performances at the Noh theatre and how to purchase tickets, please visit the official websites of the Kanazawa Nohgakukai and the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theatre. Enjoy Kanazawa’s traditional performing arts and create lasting memories of your trip.
| Keywords | Description |
|---|---|
| Kaga Hōshō (加賀宝生) | A style of Noh that developed in Kanazawa under the patronage of the Maeda family of the Kaga domain. |
| Maeda Tsunanori (前田 綱紀) | The fifth lord of the Kaga domain who introduced the Hōshō school of Noh to Kanazawa. |
| Hōshō Ryu (宝生流) | One of the major schools of Noh theatre, known for its elegant and refined style. |
| Konparu Ryu (金春流) | A school of Noh that was originally favored by the Kaga domain before the adoption of the Hōshō school. |
| Sano Kichinosuke (佐野 吉之助) | A local businessman who played a key role in the revival and preservation of Kaga Hōshō in the Meiji period. |
| Kanazawa Nohgakukai (金沢能楽会) | An organization dedicated to the preservation and transmission of Kaga Hōshō, founded in 1901. |
| Shite (シテ) | The main actor in a Noh play, who performs the central role and often wears a mask. |
| Waki (ワキ) | The supporting actor in a Noh play, who interacts with the Shite and helps to advance the story. |
Kanazawa Nougaku Kai
Schedule of Noh in Kanazawa (Kanazawa Nougaku Kai)
Noh Theater in Kanazawa
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