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Noh (Nou) is an ancient form of Japanese musical theatre, performed outdoors in the evening darkness amid the illumination of the burning torches or by the light of a bonfire and hence also called Takigi Noh. This poetic theatrical rendition requires high level of expertise from the performers to deliver the impact on audience without any loud movements or clamorous dialogues. The artist's use vocals, music and dance in this performance are kept to the minimum, in keeping with the serene aestheticism peculiar to Japan. It is one of the most traditional art forms of Japan, which owes its origin from the practice of burning sacred firewood (takigi) during the shunie ceremony at Kofukuji (Koufukuji) Temple in Nara. During the Muromachi Era (1333-1568), widely considered as the golden era for the arts, Takigi Noh performances, often lasted for several days, performed at Kofukuji and Kasuga Jinja Shrine (also in Nara) where they are performed even today. The sanctity ascribed to the Takigi Noh performance comes from the fact that it is considered to be a sacred theatrical ceremony involving fire burning around the Noh and Kyogen stage. For those who cannot have enough of Takigi Noh performance, there is some good news for them. You can rejoice in several Takigi Noh performances held in and around Tokyo, all round the year.
Seasonal Takigi Noh Events:
- Yasukuni Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh (Hono Yozakura Noh) - Early April, Yasukuni Jinja Shrine
- Nara Takigi Noh - May, Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara.
- Naritasan Shinshoji Temple Takigi Noh # Mid-May, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
- Hikawa Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh - Late May, Hikawa Jinja Shrine
- Zojoji Temple Takigi Noh - Late May, Zojoji Temple
- Sanno Hie Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh - Late July, Sanno Hie Jinja Shrine
- Asakusa Sensoji Temple - Late August
- Hikawa Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh - Late August, Hikawa Jinja Shrine
- Bannanji Temple Takigi Noh - Mid-September, Bannanji Temple
- Isonokami Jingu Shrine Takigi Noh - September
- Shinagawa Takigi Noh - Early October
- Kichijoji Gessoji Temple Takigi Noh - Early October.
- Meiji Jingu Takigi Noh - Early October, Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Odawara Castle Takigi Noh (Odawarajo Takigi Nou) - Early October, Odawara Castle
- Oyama Takigi Noh (Ooyama Takigi Nou) - Early October, Afuri Jinja Shrine
- Hibiya City Noh Night Performance - Ya-Noh - (Dai-nijuukai Hibiya Shitei Ya Nou)
- Mori no Takigi Noh (Noh & Kyogen plays performed in the Shinjuku Gyoen Park by firelight)
- Kawaguchi Takigi Noh # Middle of October, Kawaguchi Shiritsu Green Center
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