Experience bustling markets and the serenity of Noh and ceramics in Osaka, the city of contrasts - Part 1
Learning about Noh at Osaka's oldest Noh theater
From April 13, Osaka will be hosting EXPO 2025. A host of amazing experiences await visitors to this great city, from stimulating theaters and museums to bustling markets and a truly magnificent castle. So without further ado, let’s delve in and explore Osaka, host city of EXPO 2025.
Yamamoto Noh Theater
With its stillness, stylized singing and acting, and tales rooted in ancient Japanese legends and stories, Noh theater can initially seem quite daunting to the overseas visitor. Part of this is due to its antiquity and unchanging nature. With Noh, you are seeing the very same performances that generals and aristocrats enjoyed over 700 years ago. No other performing art in the world has been performed the same way for 700 years without interruption.
Luckily for us, Yamamoto Noh Theater has a program specifically designed to make Noh more accessible and enjoyable. Here, visitors can learn about Noh through hands-on experiences and a guided tour of the theater.
But first, I asked our guide why we should all experience Noh. She gave a great reply that’s worth quoting in full:
“Noh lies at the root of all Japanese culture. It soothed the souls of people living through a time of war. In this sense, Noh brings a message of peace. We hope people can embrace this message and help make the world a better place.
So with that in mind, it was time to begin our tour.
A behind-the-scenes tour of a Noh stage
After a 5-minute introductory video, we were ushered into the theater itself. Here, we were greeted by the stage and a fabulous collection of costumes, musical instruments and Noh masks. These masks are an artform in themselves and they exude power, even when mounted on a wall.
The tour continues backstage and visitors can even crawl beneath the stage.
Hand-on experiences: Playing a drum and trying on a mask and costume
Backstage is also where the hands-on experiences take place. First up was a chance to try playing a ko-tsuzumi shoulder drum. Apparently, it’s all about emptying the mind and letting the wrists go loose. It was hard at first, but I soon drummed some nice beats. I was feeling proud of myself. Big mistake. “You should feel neither proud nor despondent,” my teacher chided. He then taught me to chant while drumming. This time I pulled it off straight away. Even my sensei was impressed. This pleased me no end, though I made sure not to show it this time!
Next was trying on a Noh mask and costume. I would be dressing up as a young lady. I’d often been told to get in touch with my feminine side, and now was my chance. After my patient guide organised my kimono and taught me the correct way to don a mask, I was ready for my big stage debut. I had watched Noh once before and seen a few videos, but now here I was, behind the mask and making that slow shuffle across the stage. It was an exhilarating experience. And I must have cut a fine figure, as some of the locals asked to take pictures too!
Yamamoto Noh Theater and its staff are obviously passionate about bringing Noh to the masses. And they succeed. I walked away with a newfound appreciation and understanding of Noh. Now I can’t wait to see another performance. Mission accomplished.
Yamamoto Noh Theater
- Address
- 1-3-6 Tokui-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access
- 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Tanimachi and Chuo Line Subway.