The East culture is a delicate matter, and the Japanese theatrical art is not an exception but the confirmation of this idea. For tourists who come to watch Japanese traditional spectacles that kind of experience becomes not just an amusement, but a real mystery. Do you want to solve a strange riddle? If yes, then you should go to the National Noh Theater which is located in the area of Sendagaya of the Shibuya special ward in Tokyo.

Noh is an ancient type of Japanese dramatic art that appeared in the 14th century. At that time, it was available only to the richest and most authoritative people. Today, anyone can visit its theatrical performances. However, spectators need special knowledge to understand them. One of the clues and the main attribute of such performances are traditional masks which express the emotions of the characters and create a unique mysterious atmosphere.

There is another type of ancient performing art that is represented in the national theater. It is Kyogen (Kyōgen). A long time ago, it was a separate national genre. However, later it fully integrated into the performance and spiced up its main action. The Noh theater tradition is a tragedy, while the kyogen performance is an elegant and light comedy play.

The National Noh Theater in Tokyo was established in 1983, though the idea of its creation was announced long before that year. In the 1870s, Japanese politician Iwakura Tomomi made a trip to different countries. There he was highly impressed by the state opera theaters. When he came back to his motherland, he suggested constructing the same building for performances. However, the idea was not implemented at that time. After a century, the interest in Japanese traditional performing art increased dramatically. So the long-awaited theater appeared in the center of the city.

The building of the National Noh Theater was designed by local professor Oe Hiroshi. Its architectural style replicates Buddhist temples and Shinto sanctuaries. Apart from the main hall which can accommodate up to around 600 people, the theater has a rehearsal stage for actors, exhibition, lecture and reading halls for its guests.