Why Is the Noh Stage Curtain (Agemaku) So Colorful?
One widely accepted theory comes from the ancient Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements (Wu Xing): wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are traditionally represented by five colors—green (青), red (赤), yellow (黄), white (白), and black (黒)—though in this context, "green" often appears as blue, and "black" is interpreted as purple.
In Japanese tradition, movement or sequences often begin from the right. So when viewed from the hashigakari (the bridge used by actors to enter the stage), the curtain colors typically appear in this order: green, yellow, red, white, and purple. Interestingly, at venues like the National Noh Theatre, the order is reversed: purple, white, red, yellow, and green—as seen from the actor’s side (the mirror room).
This difference in perspective reflects the contrast between the audience’s viewpoint and that of the performer, highlighting how meaning and tradition can shift depending on where you stand—both literally and culturally.
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/noh
#Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture #HiddenGem #noh #nohgaku #traditionalperformingarts
#ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #visitjapanjp #japangram #TokyoTraditions #CulturalJourney #TokyoCulture #ImmersiveTravel #ExploreTokyo #CulturalTokyo #TraditionalJapan #HiddenTokyo #AuthenticJapan #TokyoExperiences #HeritageTravel
What Is Nohgaku?
Nohgaku is a traditional Japanese performing art that includes two styles: Noh and Kyogen. They have been performed together for over 650 years and are recognized as an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Noh is serious, elegant, and spiritual.
Kyogen is light, humorous, and about daily life.
These two styles are often performed in the same program to balance each other—like two sides of the same coin.
What Is Noh?
Noh is a slow and poetic form of theater.
Actors wear masks and beautiful costumes, and their movements are graceful and symbolic. The stories are often about ghosts, gods, or people with deep emotions like love, sadness, or regret.
Noh uses traditional music and chanting. The audience is expected to use imagination to understand the meaning behind the performance. It’s not entertainment in the modern sense—it’s more like watching a living painting or poem.
What Is Kyogen?
Kyogen is a comedic play usually performed between Noh plays.
It’s lively, funny, and easy to follow. The stories are about everyday situations—like silly misunderstandings or clever tricks. Actors speak in a more natural voice, and most of the time, they don’t wear masks.
Kyogen helps the audience relax and laugh, offering a refreshing contrast to the seriousness of Noh.
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/noh
#Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture #HiddenGem #noh #nohgaku #traditionalperformingarts
#ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #visitjapanjp #japangram #TokyoTraditions #CulturalJourney #TokyoCulture #ImmersiveTravel #ExploreTokyo #CulturalTokyo #TraditionalJapan #HiddenTokyo #AuthenticJapan #TokyoExperiences #HeritageTravel
Discover the Beauty of Noh Theater – Japan’s Timeless Performing Art
Noh is one of Japan’s oldest performing arts, blending music, dance, and drama in a poetic and meditative experience. Unlike Kabuki, Noh is minimalist and symbolic, using elegant masks, slow movements, and live music to tell profound stories about spirits, history, and human emotions.
A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Noh has been performed for over 600 years and remains a window into Japan’s spiritual and artistic traditions. Performances take place at historic venues such as National Noh Theatre (Tokyo), Kanze Noh Theatre (Tokyo), and Yarai Noh Theatre (Tokyo).
If you want to experience authentic Japanese aesthetics and witness a unique blend of tradition and artistry, watching Noh is a must.
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/noh
#Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture #HiddenGem #noh #nohgaku #traditionalperformingarts
#ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #visitjapanjp #japangram #TokyoTraditions #CulturalJourney #TokyoCulture #ImmersiveTravel #ExploreTokyo #CulturalTokyo #TraditionalJapan #HiddenTokyo #AuthenticJapan #TokyoExperiences #HeritageTravel
Walking Through Tokyo's Kagurazaka – University Student Sakura Unveils Its Hidden Charms 【EDO KAGURA】
This is the third installment of the Kagurazaka trilogy, filmed by Sakura, a guide from EDO KAGURA Corporation (Ninja Kotan - Travel). Join her as she explores the charm of Tokyo's Kagurazaka through the eyes of a university student.
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/
#Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture #HiddenGem #TraditionalCrafts
#shoppingstreet #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #visitjapanjp #japangram #TokyoTraditions #CulturalJourney #TokyoCulture #ImmersiveTravel #ExploreTokyo #CulturalTokyo #TraditionalJapan #HiddenTokyo #AuthenticJapan #TokyoExperiences #HeritageTravel
Walking Through Tokyo's Kagurazaka – University Student Sakura Unveils Its Hidden Charms 【EDO KAGURA】
This is the second installment of the Kagurazaka trilogy, filmed by Sakura, a guide from EDO KAGURA Corporation (Ninja Kotan - Travel). Join her as she explores the charm of Tokyo's Kagurazaka through the eyes of a university student.
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/
#Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture #HiddenGem #TraditionalCrafts
#shoppingstreet #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #visitjapanjp #japangram #TokyoTraditions #CulturalJourney #TokyoCulture #ImmersiveTravel #ExploreTokyo #CulturalTokyo #TraditionalJapan #HiddenTokyo #AuthenticJapan #TokyoExperiences #HeritageTravel
Walking Through Tokyo's Kagurazaka – University Student Sakura Unveils Its Hidden Charms 【EDO KAGURA】
This is the first installment of the Kagurazaka trilogy, filmed by Sakura, a guide from EDO KAGURA Corporation (Ninja Kotan - Travel). Join her as she explores the charm of Tokyo's Kagurazaka through the eyes of a university student.
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/
#Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture #HiddenGem #TraditionalCrafts
#shoppingstreet #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #visitjapanjp #japangram #TokyoTraditions #CulturalJourney #TokyoCulture #ImmersiveTravel #ExploreTokyo #CulturalTokyo #TraditionalJapan #HiddenTokyo #AuthenticJapan #TokyoExperiences #HeritageTravel
🎉 Japanese Food Quiz!
"Japanese food is delicious... but have you ever hesitated to order because you weren’t sure what part of the meat it was?" 😅
🍢 First up: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)!
Can you guess which part of the chicken is shown in this photo? 👀
💡 Hint: A yakitori cut with a unique texture that tends to divide opinions. However, it's one of my favorites!
👇 Answer in the 3-choice quiz in the video!
And…
🔥 Why not join us for authentic yakitori in "Tokyo's top gourmet district, Kagurazaka"?
🍶 Experience a bar-hopping tour while enjoying mouthwatering yakitori!
🎶 Kagurazaka is a traditional geisha district, so you might even have a chance encounter with a geisha!
✅ Our guide will support you in English, making ordering stress-free!
👉 Check the link in our profile for details!
✨ Become a yakitori master in Kagurazaka! 😄
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/kagurazakaizakaya
#yakitori #japanlovers #TokyoExperience #Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture
#japanfoodlover #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #TokyoExperiences #japanfoodie
🎉 Japanese Food Quiz!
"Japanese food is delicious... but have you ever hesitated to order because you weren’t sure what part of the meat it was?" 😅
🍢 First up: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)!
Can you guess which part of the chicken is shown in this photo? 👀
💡 Hint: Wouldn't this be the easiest question for a yakitori parts guessing quiz?
👇 Answer in the 3-choice quiz in the video!
And…
🔥 Why not join us for authentic yakitori in "Tokyo's top gourmet district, Kagurazaka"?
🍶 Experience a bar-hopping tour while enjoying mouthwatering yakitori!
🎶 Kagurazaka is a traditional geisha district, so you might even have a chance encounter with a geisha!
✅ Our guide will support you in English, making ordering stress-free!
👉 Check the link in our profile for details!
✨ Become a yakitori master in Kagurazaka! 😄
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/kagurazakaizakaya
#yakitori #japanlovers #TokyoExperience #Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture
#japanfoodlover #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #TokyoExperiences #japanfoodie
🎉 Japanese Food Quiz!
"Japanese food is delicious... but have you ever hesitated to order because you weren’t sure what part of the meat it was?" 😅
🍢 First up: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)!
Can you guess which part of the chicken is shown in this photo? 👀
💡 Hint: One of the juiciest parts of yakitori. It's incredibly delicious!
👇 Answer in the 3-choice quiz in the video!
And…
🔥 Why not join us for authentic yakitori in "Tokyo's top gourmet district, Kagurazaka"?
🍶 Experience a bar-hopping tour while enjoying mouthwatering yakitori!
🎶 Kagurazaka is a traditional geisha district, so you might even have a chance encounter with a geisha!
✅ Our guide will support you in English, making ordering stress-free!
👉 Check the link in our profile for details!
✨ Become a yakitori master in Kagurazaka! 😄
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/kagurazakaizakaya
#yakitori #japanlovers #TokyoExperience #Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture
#japanfoodlover #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #TokyoExperiences #japanfoodie
🎉 Japanese Food Quiz!
"Japanese food is delicious... but have you ever hesitated to order because you weren’t sure what part of the meat it was?" 😅
🍢 First up: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)!
Can you guess which part of the chicken is shown in this photo? 👀
💡 Hint: A yakitori cut with the perfect balance of meat and fat. It's delicious and highly popular among yakitori lovers!
👇 Answer in the 3-choice quiz in the video!
And…
🔥 Why not join us for authentic yakitori in "Tokyo's top gourmet district, Kagurazaka"?
🍶 Experience a bar-hopping tour while enjoying mouthwatering yakitori!
🎶 Kagurazaka is a traditional geisha district, so you might even have a chance encounter with a geisha!
✅ Our guide will support you in English, making ordering stress-free!
👉 Check the link in our profile for details!
✨ Become a yakitori master in Kagurazaka! 😄
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/kagurazakaizakaya
#yakitori #japanlovers #TokyoExperience #Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture
#japanfoodlover #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #TokyoExperiences #japanfoodie
🎉 Japanese Food Quiz!
"Japanese food is delicious... but have you ever hesitated to order because you weren’t sure what part of the meat it was?" 😅
🍢 First up: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)!
Can you guess which part of the chicken is shown in this photo? 👀
💡 Hint: This part of the yakitori is quite unexpected! Only a small amount can be taken from a single chicken.
👇 Answer in the 3-choice quiz in the video!
And…
🔥 Why not join us for authentic yakitori in "Tokyo's top gourmet district, Kagurazaka"?
🍶 Experience a bar-hopping tour while enjoying mouthwatering yakitori!
🎶 Kagurazaka is a traditional geisha district, so you might even have a chance encounter with a geisha!
✅ Our guide will support you in English, making ordering stress-free!
👉 Check the link in our profile for details!
✨ Become a yakitori master in Kagurazaka! 😄
#yakitori #japanlovers #TokyoExperience #Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture
#japanfoodlover #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #TokyoExperiences #japanfoodie
🎉 Japanese Food Quiz!
"Japanese food is delicious... but have you ever hesitated to order because you weren’t sure what part of the meat it was?" 😅
🍢 First up: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)!
Can you guess which part of the chicken is shown in this photo? 👀
💡 Hint: Among the various types of yakitori, this part should be easy to understand, don't you think?
👇 Answer in the 3-choice quiz in the video!
And…
🔥 Why not join us for authentic yakitori in "Tokyo's top gourmet district, Kagurazaka"?
🍶 Experience a bar-hopping tour while enjoying mouthwatering yakitori!
🎶 Kagurazaka is a traditional geisha district, so you might even have a chance encounter with a geisha!
✅ Our guide will support you in English, making ordering stress-free!
👉 Check the link in our profile for details!
✨ Become a yakitori master in Kagurazaka! 😄
https://www.ninjakotan-travel.com/kagurazakaizakaya
#yakitori #japanlovers #TokyoExperience #Kagurazaka #JapaneseCulture
#japanfoodlover #ninjakotan #traditionalculture #japantravel #japanlovers #TokyoExperiences #japanfoodie