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

Noh theater, or Nohgaku (能楽) is still being actively performed today with dedicated venues, academies and government support. Although it certainly is not the oldest form of theater per se, from generation to generation the precise continuation of performance skills, costumes, music and even the use of archaic Japanese has allowed Noh to remain close to its earliest forms. Whereas older Western forms such as Greek and Roman theater have changed and adapted over time to suit modern productions and contemporary languages. Therefore Noh's strict adherence to its earliest traditions is why it has been called the oldest surviving or extant form of major theater art.
Performed since the 14th century, Nohgaku is a highly minimal and disciplined practice which very few people today can boast to fully understand. Known for its use of masks or 'nohmen', Noh plays involve supernatural elements and Buddhist philosophies. Characterised by its distinctive masks called nohmen representing spiritual, godly and demonic characters. This also one of the major distinctions from the more popular Kabuki theatre. Noh over the years became more structured, monotonous and supernatural compared to other forms of theatre. In 2001, Noh was named a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO, with many of its few star performers recognised as Japan's "Intangible Cultural Assets". Master Actor Michishige Udaka 宇高通成 is one such person. A practitioner of Noh for over 60 years, he is a Master performer who also carves his own masks - the only person to do so today. Like many forms of traditional arts & crafts, the uptake of Noh in Japan is declining. The once insular and private world of Noh has now been brought beyond its borders and blossomed in part thanks to Mr. Udaka’s establishment of the International Noh Institute in 1986. But what of its future in modern day Japan?
This film is a deep dive into the esoteric world of Noh and follows Mr. Udaka as he prepares for an upcoming performance.
National Geographic Short Film Showcase
The Atlantic Selects Showcase
Japan Web Fest Best Short Documentary nomination 2021
Berlin Short Film Festival Official Selection 2021
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In March 2020, Mr Michishige Udaka passed away. I'm always grateful he let me into his life and allowed me to make this film. I hope this can honour his memory. RIP.
He is succeeded by his three children: Noh actors Tatsushige & Norishige, and mask maker Keiko.
Special Thanks to:
Michishige Udaka, Haruna Udaka, Tatsushige Udaka, Agnes Bun, Julien Banos
Additional images:
Hanabusa Itchō, Japanese, 1652 - 1724
'Scenes from Comic Plays' (detail),
Handscroll, one of a pair; Ink, color, and gofun on paper
Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bequest of Richard P. Gale 74.1.15.2
Photo: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Other films from the series:
'The Art of Imono': • THE ART OF IMONO - Jap...
'Wasabia Japonica': • 'Wasabia Japonica' - A...
'The Reluctant Master': • ‘The Reluctant Master’...
'The Scent of Sakai': • 'The Scent of Sakai' 堺...
'The Art of Musk Melon': • ‘The Art of Musk Melon...
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Music: 'Final Preparations' & ‘Bonsai Forest’ by Shin Suzuma (Licensed from Premium Beat)
‘Unrelenting’ by David Molina (Licensed from The Music Bed)
‘Slow Contemplation’ by Tiny Music (Licensed from Premium Beat)
Gear: Sony FS7, Edelkrone Motion Kit, Ikan Pivot, Zeiss 16-70, Aputure M9
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'The Japanese Artisan Series' is a non-commercial project by Edwin Lee (Hong Kong) in collaboration with One Ocean Partners (Singapore). It focuses on documenting little-known but highly skilled artisans and tradespeople across Japan centering on themes of tradition and succession. With Japan's ageing population, low birth rate and reluctance of young workers to enter such niche industries, these people's traditional skills are in danger of being lost.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@teencrisis4750]

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

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@masaru_Videographer]

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

[@wanwansamurai]

Absolutely amazing

[@serialpruners]

the summit of life itself

[@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

[@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

[@catbarnard2833]

This gave me goosebumps

[@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.

[@louisep2355]

Thank you, I love this!

[@rahxephon52]

beautiful. thank you!

[@lordtaku]

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

[@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.

[@CielPhamtohivys]

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

[@conartesanarte9928]

Beautiful...

[@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

[@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.

[@alexanderbuzzo2375]

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

[@danrezi]

wonderful short documentary, very high quality

[@FalloutMediaHK]

thank you for watching

[@gabriellacollinsstaff4986]

So sorry for his loss.

[@zbwinter]

This is really really beautiful

[@jeanvocalist]

I love Noh❤

[@renesagahon4477]

Beautiful art form. Thank you for sharing this

[@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!

[@bluecircleofsquares]

masterpiece

[@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".

[@thabatacauanni9877]

Really beautiful images! congratulations

[@anaidcram]

Amazing !!!

[@StephenGrew]

Very Special!

[@frederikeluijten5041]

Very beautiful documentary!

[@causewayeffects7425]

masterpiece 傑作

[@TheDreadfulCurtain]

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

[@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!

[@vic4243]

Beautiful work!!

[@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

[@itshaleyrg1802]

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

[@kombatace7971]

That was meaningful, to say the least.

[@NanaEkua593]

Beautiful!!

[@k.a.u.4599]

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

[@kimyoonmisurnamefirst7061]

I'm kinda sad you covered his performance with music at the beginning. It really is a fault of European and European diaspora to think emptiness needs to be filled. Also, it totally ignores the whole point of Noh, and how Noh music is treated.

[@Night_lightful]

perfect vid *-*

[@edenkali2157]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@HumanoidCableDreads]

Noh theater came into being around 1100 AD. Euripides wrote plays that are still performed in 400 BC. That is a difference of one thousand, five hundred years. Noh is nowhere near the oldest form of theater still performed.

[@gymnasticsteamchina1047]

I think that they mean that the tradition has continued. It hasn't been revived or anything like that, it's being performed in the same style in the same theatres

[@HumanoidCableDreads]

@@gymnasticsteamchina1047 I know, and you can say the same thing about Greek drama, except it has survived for a thousand years longer.

[@HumanoidCableDreads]

Last time I checked amphitheaters still exist.

[@HumanoidCableDreads]

I love Japan and all their culture, so I am not trying to imply the Greeks are better. But this is a matter of historic fact.

[@isoldehammond23]

Honest question: why is Greek theatre not considered the oldest form of theatre? Is that due to it stopping and then restarting?

[@alessandromeloni99]

Noh 👉

[@Myacckt]

Isn't Pansari equally old?

[@baalemonklandabias2938]

Always wanted to know what "yoooo" means in Noh.

[@HipHopEmperorSalute]

The video game Nioh is inspired by this.

[@kightremin]

Strange, I'm felling those masks.

[@products4u885]

Hi!

[@NionioGR]

It is old alright, but not as old as Greek drama.

[@Eisenwulf666]

Was thinking the same thing. Maybe they mean without interruption? Even so Latin drama(which basically copied and adapted Greek drama) or even Mime was still performed in Italy from republican times during all of the middle ages . The themes changed but it was theatre. One could argue that from declaming in a theatre with a mask to performing and chanting in a church some of the traditions were lost...but that would not nitpicking

[@syndrathedarksovereign1609]

Yeah, but you don't see greek drama being played like they would have been more than 2 thousand years ago. Afaik, Noh and Kabuki are performed the exact same way they had been done 6 hundred years ago. I guess that's what they mean by "oldest form of theater in the world."

[@FalloutMediaHK]

@@syndrathedarksovereign1609 correct. Of course Greek drama originated thousands of years ago but it has changed and morphed over time. Noh however has been strictly regimented and unchanged since it was established. Hence why it's called the "oldest surviving form of theatre" - not "oldest" per se

[@レントラー-k5l]

観阿弥、世阿弥

[@samuelolah9097]

All very nice and interesting, but don't you think the film would be enrriched if you used Noh music?

[@FalloutMediaHK]

nah

[@gavinshriamneon]

Is the Kojiki or nihon Shoki ever performed in Noh?

[@bijuthomas584]

What is the story

[@tobiastranetellefsen4203]

Name of song in the end?

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Should be Bonsai Forest by Shin Suzuma

[@dianetsang]

The size of the masks seem smaller than the average person's face. Is there a reason for that?

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Yes, it was something about showing the actor's face and mask simultaneously, to showcase a bond

[@bobobo7470]

노 지금 무라 현노? 그분의 정신은 국정원 지하 녹음실에 있다이기야

[@goki601]

Is it sad cuz it's sad I think tho

[@raffox1296xo]

NOh 👉

[@Sabakuconimuscoli]

Un fratello?

[@keyvanmasajedi9077]

Everything in this video was very emotional to me... By the way, I wonder if feminists in japan don't object the fact that it is a MAN portraying a WOMAN.

[@mrignissigniss3733]

bautiful mask

[@ankitanandy6076]

Lovely masks!

[@ec937]

Ancient greek people did theatre already!

[@Chronolink444]

Although Greek theater was dead in past and its play is just contemporary revival, noh keeps nowadays

[@EtyMologic-vj8wy]

se

[@robertcastiglione9871]

The subject matter of this is fascinating. The overlaid music is just terrrible - drowning out everything else, even the sounds of artists

[@lorenzo2930]

Pefforza

[@Sabakuconimuscoli]

D'altronde

[@zackfuller]

What is with this stupid music in the background. This music has nothing to do with Noh.

[@dingo23451]

This didn't explain at all what Noh is about. Everyone who watched this is not a shred smarter. There is better information out there.

[@SheepWaveMeByeBye]

Those masks look freaky. What is wrong with real faces?

[@FalloutMediaHK]

real faces could look freaky too? haha

[@Taka_Takata]

Ruined by the music.

[@damnyourpasswords]

necessary for gaijin

[@charleshowie2074]

Kinda gay, be he seems like a cool guy.

[@xxdemisucksxx]

how about noh

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Noh is the time

[@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.

[@willplays7954]

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

[@Sarah.Riedel]

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

[@ninnyluvr]

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

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 👏🏾

[@2702zeze]

NOH AND THEATRE IS AN ACTIVE MEDITATION

[@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.

[@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

[@tobiastranetellefsen4203]

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

[@FreeTibetFTW]

Bonsai Forest by Shin Suzuma

[@themadhatter34]

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

[@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

[@almondboi9437]

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

[@petramakler8733]

Awesome

[@hugholiveiro2081]

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

[@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.

[@mint8503]

De'

[@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