Nohgaku Workshop for International and Japanese Students 2024
The Center for Japanese Language and Culture, Gifu University Organization for Promotion of Glocalization (GU-GLOCAL) conducted the "Nohgaku Workshop for International and Japanese Students 2024." This workshop took place in the Center's traditional Japanese-style tatami-mat room on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
The Center has been conducting the workshop since 2005 by inviting professional Nohgaku actors. It aims to foster a profound appreciation and understanding of traditional Japanese culture among students, thereby sustaining their interest in these cultural practices. On July 10, the workshop was attended by 35 participants, including the Summer School students who have been engaged in studies at Gifu University since June of this year.
The following four professional actors were invited to the workshop as instructors: Mr. MIKATA Madoka and Mr. TAMOI Hiromichi who perform Noh drama as main actors called "shite" in Kanze School. Mr. SHIGEYAMA Chuzaburo and Mr. YAMAGUCHI Koudo, both of whom are Kyogen drama performers in Okura School.
The workshop commenced with 'Iwafune,' a Noh dance performed in plain clothes. It was followed by a lecture detailing the history of Nohgaku, and the distinctions in masks and movements - such as crying and laughter - between Noh and Kyogen. It also highlighted aspects of traditional Nohgaku music, which included demonstrations of musical instruments and singing, laughter of Kyogen. The observation of Kyogen drama, "Neongyoku" and traditional Noh kimono dressing session concluded the workshop.
Participants engaged in singing exercises and emulated the movements demonstrated by the instructors. They were also afforded the opportunity to closely examine the masks, music instruments and kimonos utilized by the actors on stage.
Following the workshop, participants expressed their enthusiasm and positive feedback through questionnaires. One of them read, "I want to have more opportunities to see the real Nohgaku performances in the future."
Gifu University remains committed to organizing cross-cultural programs, furthering the university's glocalization efforts.
