Bringing the Charm of Traditional Arts Closer: 'NOH NIGHT,' an Experiential Event Breathing New Life into the Noh Theater, to be Held

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Kanze Noh Theater (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo), we will hold 'NOH NIGHT,' an experiential event to experience the Japanese traditional art of 'Noh' in an unprecedented way. The event will feature Masaki Umano, a Kanze-ryu Noh actor and holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Comprehensive Recognition), as the shite (lead actor), and DJ RENA, who won the 2017 DMC World DJ Championships at the youngest age in history (12 at the time), as the DJ. It will unfold in a three-part composition: a DJ performance, a talk session, and a performance of the Noh play 'Aoi no Ue.' The composition of fusing Noh and DJing in the Kanze Noh Theater, which has a history of over 650 years, will make for a symbolic night where the younger generation, mainly in their 20s and 30s, gathers at the theater. ■ Event Program: This event is designed as a three-part structure where each part is independent yet flows together to provide a multifaceted experience of Japanese culture throughout the night. 【Part 1】DJ Performance (DJ RENA): DJ RENA, the youngest-ever winner of a world championship, will create a musical atmosphere to welcome the audience. This opening act, where modern music resonates in the traditional space of a Noh theater, is unique to this event. 【Part 2】Talk Session: A talk session will be held to explain the background and highlights of Noh. It is structured so that even first-time Noh viewers can fully understand the world and highlights of the performed play, 'Aoi no Ue.' 【Part 3】Noh Performance 'Aoi no Ue': A performance of a representative Noh play based on the 'Aoi' chapter of Murasaki Shikibu's 'The Tale of Genji.' The living spirit of Lady Rokujo tormenting Genji's wife, Lady Aoi—the complex human emotions of deep love, jealousy, and pride are depicted with tension and beauty through the restrained movements and chanting unique to Noh. This play, dealing with the universal themes of human passions and emotional turmoil, is a work that even the younger generation new to Noh can easily resonate with emotionally. ■ Performer Profiles: Masaki Umano: A Kanze-ryu Noh actor and holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Comprehensive Recognition). While inheriting tradition in the major Kanze school of Noh, he actively engages in contemporary performances and is active both in Japan and internationally. He will perform the shite (lead role) in 'Aoi no Ue' for this event. DJ RENA: In 2017, she won the DMC World DJ Championships, known as the world's most prestigious DJ battle competition. Her victory at the age of 12 was a record for the youngest ever. Since then, she has been active in places like Dubai, New York, and London, and participates in this performance as a world-class DJ symbolizing the next generation. ■ Organizer Comments: Arata Nakatsuji: 'While Japan has culture to be proud of globally, there are surprisingly few opportunities for the younger generation to experience it. I myself am one who realized the depth of Japanese culture through the tea ceremony. 'NOH NIGHT' is an attempt to create a place where my peers can naturally come, without compromising the essential beauty of Noh. I believe it's important not just to preserve tradition, but to deliver it in a way that the next generation can embrace as their own.' KAMIÉLLE TOKYO: 'We are a salon brand that proposes 'experiences for living beautifully' by combining the quiet aesthetic sense inherent in Japanese culture with the sensibilities of modern women. 'NOH NIGHT' is not just a place to appreciate culture, but a chance to incorporate it into one's own style. We aim to contribute to the creation of new values.' Kinko Kanenari: 'In my work creating experiential value for the next generation in culture and entertainment, I've felt the challenge that Japan's world-class culture is not connected to modern sensibilities and daily life. 'NOH NIGHT' is an attempt to position Noh as an extension of modern culture. Tradition is passed down only when it is updated. I aim for this event to be a catalyst for spreading Japanese culture not as 'knowledge,' but as an 'experience.' ' ■ Event Overview: Event Name: NOH NIGHT. Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026. Time: Doors open 17:00 / Performance starts 18:00. Venue: Kanze Noh Theater (Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo). Program: Noh 'Aoi no Ue'. Performers: Masaki Umano (Shite), DJ RENA. Organizers: Arata Nakatsuji / KAMIÉLLE TOKYO / Kinko Kanenari. Official Website: https://nohnight.jinen-an.com ■ Contact: 'NOH NIGHT' Management Office. Email: noknight@gmail.com