Noh as Living Art

Noh is recognized as one of the oldest and greatest theatrical traditions in the world. Embraced by the samurai elite some 650 years ago, it ultimately permeated every level of Japanese society through the vehicle of utai (noh singing) and inspired generations of writers and scholars in Japan and around the world. What accounts for noh’s enduring vitality? What does this austerely beautiful, understated art form have to offer a digitalized society awash in instant entertainment? Noh actor Yasuda Noboru answers these and other questions in this uniquely personal and accessible introduction to noh as living art.

YASUDA Noboru
Yasuda Noboru is a professional noh actor specializing in waki roles. Born in 1956 in Chōshi, Chiba Prefecture, he studied Chinese philosophy as a university student before beginning his formal training in the Shimogakari Hōshō school of noh acting. He has written, directed, and performed new pieces in the style of noh and is deeply involved in children’s and adult education. Yasuda is also the author of numerous books, including Nō ni manabu shintai gihō (Learning Body Movement from Noh) and Ikai o tabi suru nō: Waki to iu sonzai (Noh’s Journey into the World Beyond: The Role of the Waki).

*information as of time of publication

Japan Library series
Culture

Publisher:
Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture

Hardcover
¥2,200 + tax
ISBN 9784866581781
210 mm x 148 mm / 120 pp. / March 2021

eBook
ISBN 9784866581903 (ePub)
ISBN 9784866582016 (PDF)

CONTENTS
Preface to the English Edition
Preface
1. Keys to Noh’s Enduring Relevance
2. Mythical Origins to Feudal Transformation
3. Edo Period to the Present
4. Form and Function
5. The Genius of Zeami
6. Noh and the Tapestry of Japanese Literature
7. Engaging the Imagination
8. Why Study Noh?
Appendix
About the Author / About the Translator

"With all the books out there on noh, would this be worthwhile for a first-time student of this venerable tradition? My answer would be a qualified yes."

Cody Poulton
University of Victoria
Books on Asia

能は、650年を越える歴史の中で、多くの知識人に愛され、様々な活動に影響を与えてきた。世阿弥による「愛される」ための仕掛けの数々や、歴史上の偉人たちに「必要とされてきた」理由を、現役の能楽師が縦横に語る。現代に生きる日本の古典芸能の魅力、効能、存在意義を解き明かす。

安田 登
1956（昭和31）年、千葉県銚子生れ。下掛宝生流能楽師。能のメソッドを使った作品の創作、演出、出演も行う。また、日本と中国の古典に描かれた“身体性”を読み直す試みも長年継続している。著書に『異界を旅する能』『身体感覚で「芭蕉」を読みなおす。』『能―650年続いた仕掛けとは』他多数。

＊著者略歴は書籍刊行時のものを表示しています。