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Performance & Premium Workshop
— Held on the Same Day

Noh, a performing art with over 700 years of history.
Karate, celebrated around the world.
Kumiodori, embodying the beauty of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Though distinct in style and tradition,
these three disciplines are united by the shared concept of Kata (form).
Through comparative demonstrations, a Noh performance, and a talk session,
discover the depth and beauty of this timeless tradition.
On the same day, a premium workshop
offers a rare opportunity to learn and experience the physical techniques of Noh.
Watch, learn, and experience it all in one unforgettable day.

1. Performance

A New Expression of
Tradition from Okinawa

A New Expression of Tradition from Okinawa
  • ＜Venue: Small Theatre＞
  • ① Comparative Demonstration & Lecture

    Compare the body techniques of Noh, Karate, and Kumiodori!

  • ② Noh: Funa Benkei

    Experience the power and beauty of a Noh masterpiece!

  • ③ Talk Session

    Enjoy a special post-performance talk with the performers!

Learn More

2. Premium Workshop

Master the Art of
Traditional Kata

Master the Art of Traditional Kata
  • ＜Venue: Large Rehearsal Room＞
  • ① Noh Experience

    Experience authentic Noh through masks and chanting!

  • ② Kumiodori Experience

    Practice the unique Kata of the Ryukyu tradition and compare it with Noh!

  • ③ Photo Session & Talk

    A chance to take commemorative photos with performers in full costume!

Learn More
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1. Performance
A New Expression of Tradition from Okinawa

① Comparative Demonstration & Lecture
Noh × Karate × Kumiodori

The Shared Principles of Kata
Discover how the performing arts and martial arts share the same foundation of Kata. Though different in genre, Noh, Karate, and Kumiodori all emphasize a stable central axis and grounded posture. Through live demonstrations and expert commentary, you'll gain insight into the history and body mechanics behind these traditions. Watch master performers up close and experience the timeless beauty of Kata that connects them all.
[Duration: 40 min.]

  • Shizuka Mikata

    Shizuka Mikata

    （Noh Performer）

  • Kazuo Tajima

    Kazuo Tajima

    （Karate Master）

  • 宮城茂雄

    Shigeo Miyagi

    （Ryukyu Dancer）

② Noh Performance: Funa Benkei

A Masterpiece of Noh Theatre
From the graceful dance of Lady Shizuka to the dramatic battle between the vengeful spirit of Taira no Tomomori and the warrior monk Benkei and Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Funa Benkei is one of the most celebrated works in the Noh repertoire. Experience the dynamic artistry and expressive physical performance that define this spectacular stage production.
[Duration: 65 min.]

  • Yoshimasa Kanze

    Yoshimasa Kanze

    （Noh Performer）

  • Genjiro Okura

    Genjiro Okura 

    （Noh Performer /

    Living National Treasure）

  • Otomasa Sakai

    Otomasa Sakai

    （Noh Performer）


Cast・Story
出演者
Shite Lady Shizuka / The Spirit of Taira no Tomomori Yoshimasa Kanze
Tsure Minamoto no Yoshitsune Noriko Takushima
Waki Musashibo Benkei Hiroshi Obinata
Wakitsure Attendant Aoi Watabe
Ai Boatman Yusuke Takazawa
Noh Flute   Manabu Takeichi
Kotsuzumi   Genjiro Okura
Otsuzumi   Kazuyuki Haraoka
Taiko   Kiyoshi Yoshitani
     
Koken   Otomasa Sakai
    Kazuo Imamura
    Takashi Kuwata
     
Jiutai (Chorus)   Masamichi Yamazaki
    Shizuka Mikata
    Masaki Umano
    Akihiro Takao
あらすじ
Minamoto no Yoshitsune, having fallen out with his elder brother Yoritomo, decides to flee the capital and heads for Daimotsu-no-ura with Benkei and his loyal retainers. After a poignant farewell with his beloved Shizuka Gozen, they set sail. Suddenly, the weather turns tumultuous, and amidst the raging waves, the vengeful ghost of Taira no Tomomori appears. However, thanks to Benkei’s fervent prayers, the ghost is successfully driven away. This is a highly popular Noh play featuring legendary historical figures such as Yoshitsune, Benkei, Shizuka Gozen, and Tomomori.The first half features a beautiful, sorrowful dance by Shizuka Gozen as she grieves her parting from Yoshitsune. In the second half, the atmosphere shifts dramatically as the ghost of Tomomori wields a glaive (naginata) in a fierce battle upon the storm-tossed sea. We hope you thoroughly enjoy this powerful and dynamic performance.

③ Talk Session: The Essence of KATA

Discover the Secrets Behind Traditional Kata
Stay after the performance of Funa Benkei for a special on-stage talk with the performers. During the most demanding moments of a Noh performance, how do they control their breathing, and where do they focus their minds? Gain rare insights into the philosophy and techniques behind traditional Kata in this exclusive discussion.
[Duration: 15 min.]


Cast
出演者
Noh Performer Shizuka Mikata Karate Master Kazuo Tajima
Ryukyu Dancer Shigeo Miyagi    

2. Premium Workshop
Experience the Art of Traditional Kata

A special, limited-capacity workshop where you can learn
and experience traditional body techniques directly from professional performers.
Limited to 30 Participants

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Instructors
Yoshimasa Kanze, Shizuka Mikata, Shigeo Miyagi, Yoshihisa Nakamura
Venue
National Theatre Okinawa – Large Rehearsal Room
Fee
¥15,000 (tax included)
Duration
90 minutes
Program
  • ① Noh ExperiencePractice the fundamental Kata of Noh. Wear an authentic Noh mask and experience the heightened awareness created by its limited field of vision. You will also have the opportunity to chant traditional Noh alongside professional performers.
  • ② Kumiodori ExperiencePractice the distinctive Kata of Kumiodori, which differs from that of Noh. Compare and experience firsthand the unique body movements and expressive techniques of mainland Japan and the Ryukyu Islands.
  • ③ Photo Session & Q&AMeet and talk with leading performers, ask questions, and enjoy a commemorative photo opportunity with actors dressed in full traditional costume.

Date & Venue

Date & Time
1. Performance
Friday, July 31, 2026
Performance begins at 7:00 PM
Doors open: 6:30 PM / Scheduled to end: 9:00 PM

2. Premium Workshop
Friday, July 31, 2026
Workshop begins at 4:00 PM
Doors open: 3:45 PM / Scheduled to end: 5:30 PM
Host
The Nohgaku Performers' Association
Co-host
National Theatre Okinawa Foundation
Venue
National Theatre Okinawa
4-14-1 Jitchaku, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan
National Theatre Okinawa

Ticket

1. Performance
A New Expression of Tradition from Okinawa
(Comparative Demonstration & Noh Performance)

Admission
Reserved Seating
  • S Seat ¥7,000
  • A Seat ¥6,000
  • B Seat ¥5,000
Ticket Sales
On sale from 10:00 AM, Friday, July 10
Sales end when all tickets are sold.
Special Offer
  • Elementary school students and participants of the Premium Workshop below will receive a ¥2,000 cash rebate at the venue on the day of the event.
  • Buy Ticket

2. Premium Workshop
Experience the Art of Traditional Kata

Fee
¥15,000
Registration
Registration opens at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 10.
Registration closes once capacity is reached.
  • Buy Ticket
  • Photography, audio recording, and video recording during the performance are strictly prohibited.
  • Please turn off all mobile phones, electronic devices, and alarm functions before the performance begins.
  • The cast is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Please be aware that the event may be photographed or filmed by the organizer, affiliated parties, or the media. Images and video that include the audience may be used in promotional materials or published after the event.
Copyright © THE NOHGAKU PERFORMERS' ASSOCIATION. All rights reserved.