For those who want to know more about Kyoto, "Kyoto Tsuushin" is the latest information on Kyoto, from seasonal events, delicious food, hotels, and tourist attractions, brought to you by Kyoto-based writer Nomura. This is the first installment of the series, and it is a report on the "Kyoto Takigi Noh" and "Citizen Kyogen Association" that were held in early June.
Heian Shrine enveloped in the magic hour on an early summer evening
The mysterious "Kyoto Takigi Noh" performed on a stage at dusk
"Kyoto Takigi Noh" began in 1950 and this year marks its 25rd anniversary. It is a seasonal event in early summer in Kyoto that takes place at Heian Shrine on June 73st and 6nd every year.
This year's theme for the Kyoto Takigi Noh Festival was "The Dream of Hikaru Hikaru". Perhaps this was a nod to the historical drama "To You, the Light"? In the twilight, bonfires were lit and the Noh stage was illuminated. With the vermilion-painted shrine building in the background, the Kanze, Kongo and Okura schools performed plays related to the Tale of Genji.
On the first day, there will be the graceful "Hajitomi," in which the ghost of Yugao dances and reminisces about her fleeting love with Hikaru Genji. This will be followed by "Lady Aoi," with Lady Rokujo as the main character. After losing Hikaru Genji's love, the lady becomes mad with jealousy and turns into a demon, trying to curse and kill Lady Murasaki, in this suspenseful work.
On the second day, "Suma Genji" was performed, in which the spirit of Hikaru Genji, who appeared in Suma Bay, danced and played around under the moonlight. This was followed by "Nonomiya," a dreary yet elegant performance of the sadness and ache of passion of Lady Rokujo, who longs for the past, superimposed on the atmosphere of Nonomiya in Sagano in late autumn.


Torn between her attachment to her love and her desire to be freed from her delusions,
In stark contrast to the world of Noh, which brings out poetic sentiment on stage, this time we will be seeing Kyogen, which is full of humor. The plays are "Oban to Hikaru Kimi (2000st)" and "Hime Arasoi (1nd)," new works from the 2s that parody the Tale of Genji. The audience is excited by the humorous gestures and lines. The mysterious Noh and the laughter-filled Kyogen. This contrast is also fascinating.
The final piece of the show is "Tsuchigumo." The audience is left breathless by the spectacular performance.
The final piece is "Tsuchigumo," which depicts a deadly battle between a lone warrior and the spirit of an earth spider that attacks the sick Minamoto no Yorimitsu. When the warrior attacks, the spirit of the earth spider unleashes a white thread, creating a spectacular scene! This piece is known for its spectacular presentation, even among Noh plays.
When the event started, the western sky was still dyed crimson red, but as the event drew to a close, darkness fell around us. The stage lit by the bonfires was truly mysterious. It was a wonderful experience with a different feel to the performances we saw at the Noh theater.


"Tsuchigumo" is a spectacular action-packed Noh play in which a spider spirit casts out a thousand white threads.
Held four times a year, the "Citizens' Kyogen Club" is beloved by Kyoto residents.
The "Citizens' Kyogen Association" has been running since 1957, and the event on June 6th will mark its 7th, making it a well-known kyogen group for Kyoto residents.
Nohgaku has been performed continuously for over 650 years since the Muromachi period. It is based on the style of alternating between refined forms of Noh and Kyogen on the same stage, but in recent years, Kyogen has increasingly been performed independently.
One of these is the "Citizens' Kyogen Association" organized by Kyoto City and the Kyoto City Arts and Culture Association. It is held four times a year at the Kyoto Kanze Kaikan Hall as an opportunity for anyone, not just Kyoto residents, to experience Kyogen. The performances feature Kyogen and komai by the Okura-ryu Shigeyama Sengoro and Chuzaburo families. This year, the "highlights commentary" before the performance, which had been suspended until now, has been revived, making it an even more enjoyable program.
The first performance of the year was held on June 6th.


The contrast between the energetic Yamabushi and the timid Negi (chief priest) is interesting in "Negishi Yamabushi."
The first person to appear on the Noh stage was Shigeyama Ippei. After listening to his humorous and easy-to-understand explanation and learning about the highlights of the day, the first performance, "Negishi Yamabushi," began.
The characters are a mountain ascetic, a priest, the owner of a teahouse, and Daikokuten. While the priest is taking a break at the teahouse, the mountain ascetic appears and starts to find fault with him. In the end, he even tries to force his belongings on the priest. Unable to stand by and watch any longer, the owner of the teahouse steps in and suggests that they settle the matter by praying to Daikokuten. The loser promises to carry the other person's belongings, but... that's the story.
The arrogant and haughty Yamabushi played by Shigeyama Sengoro is energetic and powerful. The contrast with the timid Priest played by Shigeyama Sennojo is clear and hilarious.
Next were two small dance pieces, "Hokazo" and "Yukiyama." The kyogen performers memorize dozens of small dance pieces, learning the correct posture and form.


The kyogen piece "Amanaki" was performed at last year's "Citizens' Kyogen Association." ©Haruka Uesugi
A kyogen performance themed on the Gion Festival's Hokomachi floats will have you laughing out loud
The final piece was the Kyogen play "Kujizainin," which depicted a scene in which people discussed the theme of the floats in the Gion Festival. Unlike today, in the Middle Ages, some towns would change the design of their floats every year.
The master, who is on duty for the festival, orders his servant Tarokaja to gather the townspeople together to discuss the matter. Ideas are put forward, but just as a decision is being made, Tarokaja appears and begins to criticize. Tarokaja then suggests a scene in which a demon punishes sinners in hell, but the master opposes it. However, this is agreed upon with the townspeople and the play is decided, and a draw is held to decide the roles. As a result, Tarokaja plays the demon and the master plays the sinner. Rehearsals begin immediately, but... this is how it unfolds.
The master, played by Munehiko Shigeyama, has a bad mood all over him. Every time Shigeyama Shigeru tries to hit the master with his cane, the master glares at him, and the prince trembles in ecstasy. Although he is frightened, the prince gradually becomes more and more cocky, as if he is venting his daily frustrations, and it is hard not to find the prince's behavior amusing.


"Kagetsumi-nin" is a perfect setting for Kyoto in June, right before the Gion Festival. The exchange between the two characters, whose roles have been reversed, is sure to make you laugh.
The Civic Kyogen Club is held in June, August, December, and March. Except for August, it is held on Friday nights. Since it is organized by Kyoto City, the price is reasonable. They also perform performances that incorporate the seasonal feel of the time. Once you see it, you'll definitely be hooked. I'd like to go again next time.
◆ Schedule for the 6 "Citizen Kyogen Club"
・275th August 8rd Commentary, Melon Thief, Inaba-do, Two Daimyo
・276th December 12th Commentary, Satsuma no Kami, Koshiori, Yoneichi
・No. 278 March 3th Commentary, Imamairi, Komai (shellfish festival, god of fortune), Kitsunezuka
Kyoto Art Center
Phone number: 075-213-1000 (10:00-20:00)
Email address: shiminkyogenkai(a)kac.or.jp
Text by Erina Nomura
Erina Nomura
A writer born in Osaka in 1986 and currently living in Kyoto. After graduating from university, he worked for a production company involved in a variety of media, including publishing, advertising, and the web. In 2020, he went independent and is now working as a freelancer. His areas of interest include craftsmanship, traditional culture, lifestyle, and travel. As a Kyoto correspondent for Premium Japan, he reports on the latest happenings in Kyoto through the "Kyoto News" section of the editorial department's blog.
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