Exhibition "Noh, Nice to Meet You." Held at Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya

Noh is a traditional Japanese performing art where the story unfolds through "utai" (recitation and melody) and "mai" (dance). This exhibition aims to make the charm of Noh theater accessible even to those completely unfamiliar with it, by clearly introducing highlights such as Noh masks and costumes with illustrations. Why not take your first step into the profound world of Noh, passed down for over 600 years?

Highlight 1: The Essential Prop "Mask (Omote)"

Noh actors stand on stage with the concept of embodying the role rather than simply playing it. Masks are used to express deities, demons, spirits, women, the elderly, and more. On the other hand, since Noh was primarily performed by men until the Edo period, roles such as young men were performed without masks, known as "hitamen." Even a "hitamen" is considered a "mask" for the role, and it does not mean the actor's bare face is shown.

The masks, which exude an overwhelming presence on stage, are crafted with various techniques to create expressions befitting the character. Their beauty is highly regarded as works of art and craft.

"Ko-omote" represents the youngest and most beautiful woman among masks depicting females. / Noh Mask Ko-omote, attributed to Zekan Yoshimitsu, Momoyama-Edo period, 16th-17th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection
"Hannya" expresses the sorrow of jealousy and extreme anger of a woman. / Noh Mask Hannya, branded "Tenkaichi Zekan" with vermilion lacquer seal, by Zekan Yoshimitsu, Momoyama-Edo period, 16th-17th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection
"Shiroshikijou" represents a sacred old man symbolizing longevity and good fortune. / Noh Mask Shiroshikijou, attributed to Motoyasu Mitsusou, Edo period, 18th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection

Highlight 2: "Costumes (Shozoku)" that Indicate Roles at a Glance

In Noh, roles are expressed through the combination of "masks" and "Noh costumes." Luxurious textiles represent demons and noble figures, while subdued colors represent monks and the elderly. By combining Noh costumes with different patterns, colors, shapes, and materials, the audience can identify roles at a glance.

The representative Noh costume, "Karaori," is a women's costume woven with colorful threads depicting floral patterns. For beautiful dancing women and celestial beings, "Choken" with its large, gracefully fluttering sleeves is used, while for powerful demons and warriors, "Kariginu" or "Hapi" with strong patterns are paired, with various Noh costumes used according to the role.

"Choken" with gracefully large sleeves. / Yellow Ground with Weeping Cherry Blossoms and Long-tailed Birds Brocade Choken, Edo period, 17th-18th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection
Karaori with red coloring is used for young female roles. / Red and White Striped Dyeing with Flower Round Pattern Karaori, Edo period, 18th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection

Highlight 3: "Shi-byoshi" (Four Percussions) that Create the Melody of Noh

In Noh, in addition to "utai," "hayashi" (orchestra) plays the musical element. The hayashi consists of four instruments: flute, small drum (kotsuzumi), large drum (otsuzumi), and taiko, and is called "Shi-byoshi." This ensemble is the same as the "Go-nin Bayashi" (five musicians) for the Doll's Festival.

The hayashi not only provides accompaniment but also serves as sound effects for scenes. The high-pitched sound of the flute, the powerful resonance of the drums, and the shouts of the performers combine to create the unique, profound world of Noh.

Videos are available at the venue, so please enjoy them along with the actual sounds.

Noh flute, Edo period, 17th-18th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection
Evening Primrose Maki-e Kotsuzumi, Black Lacquer Inscription Sazaemon (Seal), Edo period, 18th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection
Grape Maki-e Otsuzumi, Edo period, 18th-19th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection
Young Pine and Crane Maki-e Taiko, Edo period, 19th century, Tokugawa Art Museum Collection

Jiro Tatsumi, Noh Actor of the Hoshoryu School

Commemorative Lecture "Noh, Nice to Meet You. Introduction"

Jiro Tatsumi, a Noh actor of the Hoshoryu school, will be invited as a lecturer to give an enjoyable talk about the world of Noh in conjunction with the special exhibition, and will also introduce and demonstrate props actually used on stage.

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Doors open at 1:00 PM)
Capacity: 90 people (Reservation required) *Registration closed due to reaching capacity
Venue: Tokugawa Art Museum Auditorium
Fee: 2,000 yen (Admission fee required separately)

Exhibition Name

Special Exhibition: Noh, Nice to Meet You.

Exhibition Period

Thursday, June 25, 2026 - Monday, July 20, 2026 (Holiday)

Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)

Closed

Mondays *Open on July 20th as it is a holiday

Venue

Tokugawa Art Museum, Hosobunko Exhibition Room

Admission Fees

General: 2,000 yen

University/High School Students: 1,200 yen
Junior High School Students and below: Free

Online tickets on sale now

*No group discounts or discounts for seniors
*Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person receive a 200 yen discount upon presentation of a disability certificate

Organizers

Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya City Hosobunko

Tokugawa Art Museum

10-17 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya 461-0023
Tel: 052-935-6262 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, excluding Mondays)

■ Access
- 8-minute walk from the South Exit of Ozone Station on the JR Chuo Main Line
- 3-minute walk from the "Tokugawaen Shindekimae" bus stop for the Kikan 2 system (City Bus/Meitetsu Bus)
- Immediately after alighting at "Tokugawaen/Tokugawa Art Museum/Hosobunko" on the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus "Meegle"
- 17 free parking spaces available on the south side of the museum

■ Opening Hours and Holidays
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 3:30 PM)
Closed on Mondays (If a holiday, the following weekday)

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