Nogaku Theatre

Nogaku theatre developed in the 14th and 15th centuries but actually dates from the 8thcentury, when the "Sangaku" was transmitted from China to Japan. At the time, the "Sangaku" comprised various types of performances, with acrobats, song and dance as well as comic sketches. Over time, it was adapted to the social context, assimilating other traditional art forms.

Today, the Nogaku is the principal form of Japanese theatre, having influenced the puppet theatre and the Kabuki. Nogaku plays are often based on tales from traditional literature; they use masks, costumes and various props in a dance-based performance; in fact, this theatre demands a very high level of training from the actors and musicians.