'The Spirit of Noh 能' - Oldest surviving form of theater in the world

[@storiedworlds6261]

The idea that one can be more authentic with a mask than with one’s actual expression is intriguing.

[@alexandradecastro5142]

We all live behind a mask

[@nickanderson966]

It makes you realize people rely less on imagination now

[@maxis2k]

It's similar to how an animated character can actually do more than a live action actor. Both because an animated character can perform expressions and actions a live action actor can't, but also because people suspend their disbelief further when seeing an animated character. The irony is, the less detail a viewer sees, the more they will fill in the gaps with other things like body language or audio cues. Depending on which the actor chooses to emphasize.

[@cosmos6077]

The Greeks also did it

[@deadby15]

famous voice actor Mel Blanc got seriously ill and was in a coma. he didnt respond to anything, no matter what. but when one of his actor friends addressed him by calling like, Hey, Bugs Bunny!, he suddenly replied with "Whats up, Doc?" (while he was still in a coma) and then started to recover. later, he didnt recall the exchange at all. Acting seems to be tapping something very deep, deeper than your ordinary consciousness.

[@willplays7954]

R.I.P mr udaka. Thank you for allowing us strangers into your world

[@Algrenion]

why did this make me feel so emotional? everything about it is so beautiful...

[@meooowww3672]

no u

[@Eudaimonia88]

The Eternal Truth touches our souls!

[@Alithiadelafleche]

Me too! Got to 7:58 and I actually cried. I feel incredibly inspired by this.

[@Cadet076]

He is heartbreakingly a true artisan. He really does live by his craft and as he explained his perspective and method you really felt like you were just speaking with generations of artists. I’m actually really jealous that I don’t normally feel this devoted towards my own work and I really do love his masks. They’re incredibly well made and the detailing on them is so methodical I’d love to own one made by him. It would be a real testament to time, that in your own hands you’d be holding a tradition and a style of art that really is hard to come by in the modern age.

[@shaymary5247]

Indeed. I couldn't have worded this any better! Additionally, I'm just now learning about this amazing man & already wish to meet & greet him. It's ppl like him that make the world so beautiful & beyond despite how dark the world can be! 💜🌹👍

[@kansairobot2015]

@@shaymary5247 Unfortunatelly he died recently :(

[@shaymary5247]

@@kansairobot2015 😳 where'd u hear about this??? ☹️

[@briish94]

@@shaymary5247 written in the description

[@ajaxwolfegames]

This was beautifully filmed and well researched! Wonderful work here.

[@bridgebar5722]

I didn't realize that Udaka sensei had passed away last year... I studied with him in Kyoto in 1979-1980 and remember him well. Thank you for posting this!!

[@kaiyan425]

This is such a cinematic video. I am at the start of my filmmaking journey and I can only aspire to become just as artistic as these videos.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Kai Yan thanks for watching! Good luck on your journey - we’re always learning

[@Sofia-nc1tu]

good luck!

[@jiaunmew878]

Hopefully this master will find his successor this beautiful tradition and will continue on to the next generations to come. I love both Nohgaku and Kabuki. Both have their own unique.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

His son and daughter-in-law are also Noh actors

[@totallymady42069]

@@FalloutMediaHK That makes me happy

[@teencrisis4750]

This took my breath away.I have to thank my drama teacher for showing me this, i almost cried

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks for watching!

[@ninnyluvr]

I really wished I could see this performance up close, it's truly beautiful

[@Leviwosc]

Extremely well filmed. A very interesting concept. I hope the spirit of Noh will be continued.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Indeed it will. His two sons are also Noh actors, but not mask carvers

[@kathylingerfield9836]

what a beautiful man, keeping up such traditions. he's still helping people understanding Noh today with this documentary as I will reference this for my assignment. thank you Udaka-san and rest in peace, from UK x

I am very interested in this form of art. Would really like to see a Noh Play over here in Germany. Buying 6 Noh Schoolbooks which i found randomly got me into learn reading japanese. I find Noh simply fascinating and mysterious. Hopefully this tradition never stops.

[@cuncunatv]

This is truly beautiful! I have always loved Japanese traditional culture and I kind of relate to what the artist says in the end, it’s important to preserve these rituals not only with Japanese culture but with cultures from all over the world. Really good job 👏🏾

[@Sarah.Riedel]

This seems less like performance art and more like a spiritual practice

[@robeastman-mullins7734]

This is one of my favorite videos to show to my classes; beautiful, elegant, informative, and the perfect length for modern student minds. So well done. I am sorry to hear of Mr. Michishige's passing.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

I'm honoured to have this shown to a class! What kind of class is it by the way?

[@robeastman-mullins7734]

I initially shared it with my World Theatre class and am now including it in an Introduction to Theatre class, as I cover non-Western Theatre in there as well. Noh can be pretty dry and stiff and this displays its passion.

[@harunaudaka8948]

@@robeastman-mullins7734 Thank you very much for introducing our father’s work to your class. ☺️🙏 During this hard situation, we created 2 English version short films regarding Noh last year, so it would be great if you could also check these. The World of Noh : kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2iymJWBh75pga8 (You can also see the atmosphere of the backstage of Noh theatre which is very rare😉) Noh “Shojo” featuring actors of the Kongo school of Noh: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGbHpqaJftaInq8 (Full Noh play with English subtitles. The main actor is Tatsushige Udaka, the first son of Master Michishige.) We try to create English version films of Noh theatre more in order for all of you in the world to know about the real esthetic of Noh. Thank you again, and please be safe, and please visit us in Kyoto someday!😊🙏 Udaka family(the successors of Master Michishige in this movie) internationalnohinstitute.com/about-us/about-us/

[@robeastman-mullins7734]

@@harunaudaka8948 Wow, thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to watching these. Is there a way for me to get in touch with you outside of KZbin?

[@pigsweat7763]

>"...the perfect length for modern student minds." >literally not even 10 minutes >i dont feel so good

[@e.boekhout2294]

he's doing amazing work keeping this alive on his own. his story really touched my heart

[@hugholiveiro2081]

A MOMENT IN TIME WHEN WE ARE IN TOUCH WITH WHAT BEING HUMAN, IS ALL ABOUT. ART IS LIFE AND LIFE ART.

[@arkamukhopadhyay9111]

The oldest existing form of theatre in the world is Kutiyattam, the Sanskrit theatre from Kerala, with a documented history of over 1,500 years.

[@tobiastranetellefsen4203]

Love the background music that's used when he goes to the graveyard.

[@FreeTibetFTW]

Bonsai Forest by Shin Suzuma

[@mayalonde1138]

This is so beautiful. A person driven with passion all his life. How fulfilling must that be. He must be a a diety walking among us.

[@danrezi]

wonderful short documentary, very high quality

[@FalloutMediaHK]

thank you for watching

[@marikowakiyama1895]

Thank you very much Edwin Lee. I am a student of Noh from Japan living in Southern California. It is always very difficult to explain Noh to Westerners so tend to give up thinking no people won’t be interested anyway. Watching this video and reading the comments inspired me to not give up. My Noh teacher in Japan has been asking me to find people here who would interested in learning about Noh. He is a incredible Noh actor and is passionate about not letting the art form die.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Arigato Mariko-san!

[@manifestmimi]

I never knew there was so much history behind the masks and the plays. How you can express so much emotion while wearing a mask. Its very beautiful.

[@morphman86]

I respect artists of any trade who craft their entire piece to get the perfect result. After all, only the artist knows what the full picture is, and to craft all the components yourself, you can ensure that full picture is made from perfect pieces.

[@yoshilorak5897]

We also do Noh here in my country. The Japanese introduced it during ww2 when they occupied my country.

[@marikowakiyama1895]

Which country are you referring to? I am intrigued.

[@totallymady42069]

May this beautiful find mans soul find peace, I hope he inspired people to follow in his foot steps, this art form is wonderful

[@themadhatter34]

I believe that each mask contains the soul of its maker,they is something truly supernatural about noh

[@catbarnard2833]

This gave me goosebumps

[@spaghettispaghetto8931]

I watch this video over and over because of how beautifully it's made, and a personal interest towards Noh. I respect Mr. Michishige Udaka, it was an honor to know and learn about him from your video. Today, I am here for yet another rewatch and I find the note about Mr. Michishige Udaka passing away. It broke me into a million pieces. He was a very special person, a precious soul. Thank you Mr. Michishige Udaka for all you've done in the name of art and so much more. And many thanks to you, Edwin Lee and everyone in the team who made this amazing video. You are amazing.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks for the kind comment. I'm glad I got to meet him before his passing

[@kansairobot2015]

He is one more person that I couldn't say thanks before he passed away ; ;

[@lordtaku]

Live for a purpose, pure, noble and passionately. This man is and always will be a beacon of culture even after passing away

[@Moonzik]

This was very well done, breathtaking. I learned many things about Noh in this video, but I also learned about myself and the world. I love you Japan.

[@almondboi9437]

so well made, subject matter so intriguing this video is beautiful

[@kavehguilanpour6875]

I saw a Noh performance for the first time this year in Tokyo. It was a very special experience. I can’t wait to go again.

[@masaru_Videographer]

Thanks for letting Noh explain it very clearly!! It's a very beautiful video!!

[@serialpruners]

the summit of life itself

[@xz3768]

this is such a well executed documentary, very artistic especially beautiful paired with the soundtrack!

[@clown-cult96]

That mask of the female noble was breathtaking. You could see the lines of her hair, the pores of her skin, it’s obviously an ancient carving technique and style but it creates wonderfully lifelike characters.

[@athenassigil5820]

Oh, yes! I love the Japanese Noh aesthetic. Very well done and beautifully presented mini doc!

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks!

[@stargirl7646]

Beautifully made video. Rest In Peace. You did your ancestors proud 🙏🏻 I completely agree with him - we can’t let ourselves become complete robots. We need history and music and ART

[@LightNeverFades]

This is beautiful! I didnt know Noh theater was so deep and had so much meaning and you’ve helped me see that in this video! Also the editing is superb!

[@rahxephon52]

beautiful. thank you!

[@wanwansamurai]

Absolutely amazing

[@CielPhamtohivys]

thanks for the video, Im from Brazil and Im doing a college project about Noh theather

[@LucidDream]

I've known of the existence of these forms of theater...but am now just getting into it really. I'm fascinated by Noh in particular. I find the concept behind the masks to be appealing especially. Allowing the person who is watching to imagine something more. My favorite mask might be the Hannya. 3:08 the way he looks around, gives me the impression that it is a deeply disturbed soul. When I see that, I understand the emotion they are trying to show. Even how the angles show different emotion on the mask. Like when it's looking straight forward, it looks angry. But if it is looking down, it looks sad.

[@femiobagun2795]

Always been fascinated by Noh since I saw it in a movie years ago as a university student. ( think it was the film, Samurai Banners) the movements, the singing and the feeling of the ethereal it invokes left me intrigued. Happy to find out more about it in this wonderful short video. Kudos to the filmmaker .

[@louisep2355]

Thank you, I love this!

[@michaelsmusicinstruments9980]

An impressive artist with a lot of wisdom. I think with this film you made sure that the existence of Noh lasts longer. That was Mr Michishige Udaka's wish, RIP. He would be proud of you. Great recording

[@FalloutMediaHK]

thank you!

[@cindy-louedwards4488]

This was beautiful and inspirational. I am at peace knowing his legacy lives on in his children.

[@matheussteffen2032]

that's for sure a very well-made film. so emotional! And so fortunate for it is a way to keep Noh alive e become possible to know Michisage Udaka, he seemed like a great man. thanks for sharing it with us.

[@DoubleDreamer]

This is beautiful. Thank you.

[@joost0400]

Very beautifully filmed. Absolutely amazing. Well done!

[@petramakler8733]

Awesome

[@ilikecatvids808]

Deffinitely will share this to my friend that love this kind of stuff!he really likes historic stuff and i sure know he'll like this

[@denissesalazarmx]

NOH AND THEATRE IS AN ACTIVE MEDITATION

[@ai.illustration]

My best friend, that's a great video. I will always cheer for you in Korea I'm looking forward to a great video. Have a nice day.

[@causewayeffects7425]

masterpiece 傑作

[@alexanderbuzzo2375]

Just found out about this. What a beautiful and elegant art. Dialogue is not needed for true enlightened beings of exceptional intelligence

[@bluecircleofsquares]

masterpiece

[@v.ra.]

What this film said in 8minutes is worth 8 years of contemplation

[@renesagahon4477]

Beautiful art form. Thank you for sharing this

[@boshrasajirati5248]

I really enjoyed this and learned a lot of things thank you

[@16shokushu]

This video was beautifully made. Great work

[@gabriellacollinsstaff4986]

So sorry for his loss.

[@thabatacauanni9877]

Really beautiful images! congratulations

[@zbwinter]

This is really really beautiful

[@anaidcram]

Amazing !!!

[@colin2116]

Loved the production, great shots, very solid storytelling. I think this piece achieved its aim.

[@TheDreadfulCurtain]

I am a fan of Butoh as well so full of expression

[@tylertheleper8468]

That was beautiful.

[@jamessisterson]

Super interesting, thanks!

[@Ellary_Rosewood]

Wow, just found this video in my recommended list. Such a beautiful film. I look forward to the time when I can experience Noh in person. Now, off to watch all of your other videos! ❤️

[@FalloutMediaHK]

enjoy!

[@conartesanarte9928]

Beautiful...

[@frederikeluijten5041]

Very beautiful documentary!

[@ichi_san]

Wonderful video!

[@MusicaMedievale]

Amazing, I love this tradition but isn't the oldest living form of theatre in the world.

[@BBRocker75]

Yeah it is. To remind you: " Oldest living form of theater in the world" that means not interruptions since its emergency. The key word is "living form".

[@IndeedBeni]

Wow, very nicely made video.

[@vic4243]

Beautiful work!!

[@kombatace7971]

That was meaningful, to say the least.

[@dizzydussy]

WOOOW, THAT WAS AMAZING AMIGO! SUCH GREAT WORK, BEAUTIFULL FILMING! KEEP IT UP!!! I'm absolutely gonna check out your "Asian Series". Congratulations amigo!

[@FalloutMediaHK]

gracias!

[@itshaleyrg1802]

My drama teacher made me watch this and I'm now distured...

[@wyattpillington5050]

While it is far from the oldest theatre style in the world, it is one that deserves to be preserved and continued on for centuries to come. Hopefully he was able to pass on his teachings so that it did not die with him.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

thanks. Though there is a distinction I made in the description between being "the oldest" and "the oldest surviving" form of theatre.

[@selftaughtjapanese6290]

Thanks very much for uploading this interesting documentary! I think Noh theater is a really significant aspect of Japanese culture, and I even decided to translate a novella called "The Spirit Drum" that is heavily influenced by Noh (the author Kyusaku Yumeno was a huge fan of Noh theater). You can find the E-book on Amazon if interested.

[@bellyung2560]

The most beautifually filmed documentary on noh I have ever seen. every angle, every scene, plus music and lighting, is impressive! I just wish it were much longer.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

thanks for watching!

[@NanaEkua593]

Beautiful!!

[@77yokuyoku]

日蓮正宗の信徒さんで能の振付師の女性がいまして、当時84才でしたが、髪の毛をベリーショートにして特に化粧もされてなく、地味な色の木綿の着物をおめしになっていたのですが、着こなしが上品で肌も皺がなく全体から白いオーラを放っていて、綺麗な鶴の化身が歩いているようでした

[@StephenGrew]

Very Special!

[@jeanvocalist]

I love Noh❤

[@k.a.u.4599]

I'm realizing nownhow much of majora's mask was inspired by this.

[@Night_lightful]

perfect vid *-*

[@towada1066]

um,... to me,... I enjoy Noh so much,... but also, it's fun to watch some of the audience fall asleep during the performance! (^_^) ... maybe they are enjoying Noh in their dreams !

[@purplestarowl89]

wow very cool and very interesting😉🤔😲🤓🤓🤓🧐💖💜💜

[@edmossbb]

"To protect the arts, we must spread it, if not, the world will become robotic driven solely by money" is my global interpretation of 7:44

[@alessandromeloni99]

Noh 👉

[@screwy115]

Thanks for uploading this on KZbin. I saw it on Vimeo but the player kept freezing.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks for watching either way! I was hoping for a Vimeo Staff Pick award hence keeping it off KZbin for the while

[@Flubly]

Uh, there's pretty period accurate productions of Antigone from 441 BC every year. That's like close to 1800 years before Noh theater began. Still a great video though!

[@mar_ikaki415]

I thought the same thing. This form of art is amazing, but the facts of the video are wrong...

[@FaeForte]

Antigone is one specific play, Noh is a form of theatre performance, a genre, that has survived by being played regularly throughout the normal daily lives in Japan I think thats why its the oldest surviving form of theatre today

[@adrienkristyak9503]

Amazing.❤

[@user-bv3yy8sq3f]

what he was saying about not wanting japan to be a robotic country driven by economics... i feel like america is a good show of what japan would look like if that were to happen. everything seems so money driven around here, and we dont even really have a single defined cultural trait to keep us grounded and humble. its saddening. i hope countries like japan continue to see how important it is to keep their cultures alive

[@edenkali2157]

The dramatic symphonic Western music in the background was a choice.

[@JoricioCagel]

a really beautifully shot documentary. but why didn't you trust the music of the noh theater?