NEWS

On June 25, as part of our school’s off-campus program, we participated in the “Noh Appreciation Class” held once again this year at the Tokyo National Noh Theater. On that day, surrounded by the solemn and serene atmosphere of the Noh Theater—which many students were visiting for the first time—the students had a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese performing arts. Following an introductory explanation by the performers, two plays were performed: the humorous Kyogen play *Busshi*, which drew laughter from the audience, and the Noh play *Aoi no Ue*, which explored themes of resentment and obsession. Through not only the words but also the performers’ movements and expressions, the beauty of the costumes, and the music of the hayashi—including the flute and drums—the students were able to appreciate the depth of Japanese culture through both visual and auditory experiences. Although they were initially puzzled by the archaic language and unique phrasing used in the chanting, the students watched the stage with serious expressions, clearly captivated by the world woven together by these different forms of performing arts. I believe that this exposure to “authentic Japanese culture”—an experience not available in regular classes—served as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the traditions and history underlying the Japanese language.