Kurokawa Noh, a Sacred Ritual of Noh that Continues for 500 Years, to be Performed in Singapore!

500 Years of Sacred Ritual Noh 'Kurokawa Noh' Performance Realized in Singapore!
~Commemorating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations, Tsuruoka City's Cherished Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property Goes Overseas~

The Japan Foundation (JF), in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations, will present a performance of Kurokawa Noh, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan from Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, as part of the festival 'A Tapestry of Sacred Music' hosted by the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore's national performing arts center. This is a unique opportunity for Kurokawa Noh, which features sacred performing arts and religious music from around the world, to be a highlight of this festival.

In addition to the performance, a lecture demonstration will be held at the Japan Creative Centre (JCC). Led by Dr. Lim Beng Soon, Head of the Japanese Studies Department at the National University of Singapore (NUS), who is deeply knowledgeable about Japanese stage arts including Noh, the event will unravel the spirituality and stylistic beauty of 'Shinjin Noh' rooted in local communities, with practical demonstrations.

We hope that through the charm of Kurokawa Noh, preserved for over 500 years by the faith and love of its people for Noh, cultural exchange between the two countries will be further deepened.

This project is a certified initiative for the 60th anniversary of Japan-Singapore diplomatic relations (SJ60) and is part of the comprehensive human exchange program 'Next-Generation Co-Creation Partnership – Culture's WA 2.0 –', which aims to promote exchange and foster human resources among the next generation of Japan and ASEAN.

**[Kurokawa Noh Singapore Performance]**
Schedule:
April 30, 2026 (Thursday) 22:15 Start – Esplanade Concourse, Performance: 'Shōjō'
May 1, 2026 (Friday) 20:45 Start – Esplanade Concert Hall, Performance: 'Hagoromo'
(All times are local. Talk events are scheduled before the performances.)

Tickets: Free admission (Details will be announced on the official website of 'A Tapestry of Sacred Music')

Organizer: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Co-organizer: The Japan Foundation
Cooperation: Kurokawa Noh Preservation Society
Support: Embassy of Japan in Singapore

**[Lecture Demonstration]**
Schedule: April 29, 2026 (Wednesday)
Venue: Japan Creative Centre (JCC)
Performer: Kurokawa Noh – Ueza
Program: Shimai 'Naniwa'
Lecturer: Lim Beng Soon (Head, Japanese Studies Department, National University of Singapore (NUS))

Organizer: Japan Creative Centre
Co-organizer: The Japan Foundation
Cooperation: Kurokawa Noh Preservation Society

**About Kurokawa Noh**
Kurokawa Noh is passed down by the parishioners of Kasuga Shrine in Kurokawa, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, as a 'Shinjin Noh' (sacred ritual Noh). This form of Noh theater follows the lineage of Sarugaku Noh perfected by Zeami, sharing the same tradition as the current five schools (Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō, Kita). However, it maintains its unique tradition independently of any specific school, reportedly preserving ancient styles in its performance practices and repertoire.

While the exact route by which Noh entered Kurokawa remains unclarified, records indicate the existence of Noh performers (Dayū) at the beginning of the Edo period and difficulties in maintaining Noh. Given that Noh costumes (three sets, national important cultural properties) woven in the Muromachi period still exist, it is believed to have been established at least by 1500, in the latter half of the Muromachi period.

Approximately 240 households of Kasuga Shrine parishioners form two Noh groups, Ueza and Geza. Each group is led by a 'za-chō' who is also a Noh performer. The Noh troupe, including dancers, musicians, and Kyogen actors, comprises about 150 people, from children to elders. There are 250 Noh masks, over 500 Noh costumes, and over 500 Noh plays and 50 Kyogen plays, making it a very large-scale folk art.

For over 500 years, Kurokawa Noh has been preserved and passed down through generations, overcoming numerous difficulties, supported by the faith and deep affection of the Kurokawa people for Noh. On May 4, 1976, it was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Currently, in addition to serving and performing at various festivals, the Kurokawa Noh Preservation Society receives requests to perform both overseas and throughout Japan.

**About the Japan Foundation**
The Japan Foundation (JF) promotes 'Cultural Arts Exchange,' 'Japanese Language Education,' and 'Japanese Studies and International Dialogue' with the mission of 'Creating a global network of people who deepen their understanding of Japan.'

This project is implemented as part of JF's 'Next-Generation Co-Creation Partnership – Culture's WA 2.0 –'.

This project, spanning ten years from 2024, develops comprehensive human exchange initiatives focused on ASEAN and other Asian countries, promoting mutual respect in fields such as Japanese language education, cultural arts, Japanese studies, and international dialogue.

Centered around the Japanese Partners program and bilateral intellectual and cultural exchange programs, it aims to strengthen multi-layered human networks and build strong, lasting trust between the target regions and Japan through heartfelt interactions.

◆Japanese Partners Program
This program dispatches individuals to assist teachers and students in junior high and high schools in Asia with Japanese language education, as well as to introduce Japanese culture.

◆Bilateral Intellectual and Cultural Exchange Program
By creating opportunities for collaboration based on mutual understanding, this program cultivates strong human bonds and fosters the next generation of global leaders.

The official website for 'Next-Generation Co-Creation Partnership – Culture's WA 2.0 –' (https://asiawa.jpf.go.jp/) features articles and videos of past initiatives. We encourage you to visit it.

Keywords: Kurokawa Noh, Noh, Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, Singapore, Japan Foundation, 60th Anniversary of Japan-Singapore Diplomatic Relations, Traditional Performing Arts, Tsuruoka City, ASEAN, Yamagata Prefecture