Discover Noh With Kyogen Actor Motonari Ohkura at Shibuya’s Noh Theater—With Backstage Tour and Private Practice

Bringing the Tradition of Nohgaku to the Present: Seishokai and Motonari Ohkura

This experience is presented by Seishokai, a group led by Motonari Ohkura, a Noh performer and Kyogen actor from the Ohkura School (one of the two major schools of Kyogen), and an Important Intangible Cultural Property holder. Based in Tokyo, the group creates performances that resonate with modern audiences, such as “Kyogen Lounge,” which combines Kyogen with a lounge party, and “Quick Kyogen,” offering casual Kyogen performances alongside Ohkura’s commentary. Their aim is to make the culture of Noh and Kyogen enjoyable for people of all ages.

Motonari Ohkura, who respects tradition but has a flexible mindset

Noh has been performed for about 700 years since the Muromachi period (1336–1568) and was historically enjoyed by the upper classes, including aristocrats, merchants, and samurai. "Nohgaku" is a collective term for "Kyogen" and "Noh," both traditional classical plays with distinct atmospheres.

Striving to popularize Nohgaku both domestically and internationally, and protecting Japanese culture

Noh is a musical and dance drama that draws on literary works, focusing on themes like historical events and stories, and is centered on song and dance. In contrast, Kyogen is a dialogue-based play performed by a small cast, focusing on everyday events and human relationships that remain relatable today. Ohkura describes the difference simply: “If you think of Noh as opera and Kyogen as a comedy sketch, it’s easy to understand.” This experience primarily focuses on learning about Kyogen.

Private Use of the Cerulean Tower Noh Theater in the Heart of Shibuya

Located in the basement of the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo, this Noh theater was established in 2001 as part of a vision to transform Shibuya into a cultural hub. While dedicated to Noh and Kyogen performances, the theater also hosts ballet, classical music, and other events, sharing traditional Japanese culture with the world.

A charming space you wouldn’t expect to find in a bustling tower in central Tokyo

The Cerulean Tower Noh Theater is highly accessible, with convenient connections to various train lines and both Haneda and Narita Airports. It’s an easy destination for fans from Japan and abroad or for anyone curious to experience Noh. For this experience, you’ll have exclusive access to the stage and receive training from Ohkura—a rare opportunity, as even performers seldom rehearse on the main stage. Savor this extraordinary moment.

A Noh stage imbued with the soothing scent of cypress wood

Explore the Backstage World of Noh

Begin with a guided backstage tour led by the theater staff. Visit the dressing room where performers prepare before taking the stage. In the Shozoku-no-ma room, where costumes are donned, the simple space exudes the performers’ focus and passion. The Kagami-no-ma room, with its large mirror, is where performers put on their masks, finalize their preparations and center themselves.

Step behind the scenes of Noh theater and experience the atmosphere few ever see

In another room, you can see Noh masks, worn to portray characters like ugly women, gods, and monsters. These masks, passed down through the ages, vary in expression and design by era. Each is unique, yet all possess a captivating charm.

The face of the ugly woman is modeled after the "quiet, unassertive woman" once considered the ideal wife in Japan

At the stage wings, experience the agemaku, the curtain used during entrances and exits. Operated with bamboo poles, this task often marks an actor's first role in Noh. Then, step through the kiridoguchi, the small entrance to the stage, a sacred space requiring tabi socks for entry.

You can hear valuable behind-the-scenes stories, such as the role of the agemaku curtain

Onstage, you'll learn the meaning behind every detail. Why is there a roof over the stage? Why are pine trees painted in the background? Why does the roof have pulleys? Ohkura will explain the cultural significance of these elements with care and detail.

Learn Kyogen Movements, Posture, and Vocalization With Ohkura

Practice the fundamentals of Kyogen under the guidance of Ohkura. Start with kamae (posture) and hakobi (walking). Despite his commanding presence, Ohkura is approachable and encouraging, making the practice enjoyable. In kamae, you'll slightly bend your knees and adopt a forward-leaning stance. For hakobi, you'll practice suriashi, a sliding movement that engages muscles you don’t often use, allowing you to experience the physical sensations of a performer. You’ll also learn the proper way to handle a fan.

Ohkura's guidance highlights your strengths, leaving you feeling confident and motivated

Next, move on to vocalization practice with a beginner’s passage from “Sakazuki.” Kyogen singing doesn’t follow a musical scale, so there’s no need to worry about hitting the right pitch. The key is to sing boldly and without hesitation. “Imagine your voice coming from deep within, not just your throat,” says Ohkura. It’s an exhilarating feeling hearing your voice resonate through the Noh theater. 

Listen to Ohkura's rich, flowing chant as he demonstrates

Experience a Kyogen Komai Dance by Ohkura

After rehearsals, enjoy a Kyogen komai (short) dance performed by Ohkura. With movements and rhythm rooted in tradition, his resonant voice and elegant gestures bring stories and landscapes to life. Even the smallest motions, like the angle of a hand or fan, create a vivid world on stage—watch closely to catch the nuances.

Enjoy a brief private performance

Following the performance, return to the dressing room for a relaxed chat and Q&A with Ohkura. He describes Kyogen's universal appeal, saying, “The human story crosses borders—like when you drink too much and make a mistake.” Through its humor and expressive physicality, Kyogen connects past and present, offering a timeless perspective to audiences.