The Kanze School Shiroishi Noh, an annual tradition at Hekisuien Noh Theater in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, returns on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This year's program features the classic Noh play Kurama Tengu performed by Shite actor Hideaki Kojima. Tickets went on general sale on April 26, 2026 (Sunday) at 10:00 AM.
On the day of the performance, the tea room within Hekisuien Garden will also host a free "Noh Mask Exhibition by Yumengen Sugawara" — admission is free.
Program
1:00 PM Doors open / 2:00 PM Performance begins
- Introduction to Noh — Hideaki Kojima (30 min)
- Shimai (Noh Dance) "Hashibenki" — Hideaki Kojima & Iori Kojima (10 min)
- Kyogen "Kurama Mairi" — Mansai Nomura (25 min)
Intermission: 15 minutes
Approx. 3:20 PM
- Noh "Kurama Tengu (Hakuju)" — Hideaki Kojima (70 min)
Performance ends at approximately 4:30 PM.
Synopsis of "Kurama Tengu (Hakuju)"
In the height of spring on Mount Kurama, monks from the East Valley travel to view the cherry blossoms of the West Valley at the invitation of a local practitioner, accompanied by a group of children. An unfamiliar mountain ascetic arrives and settles himself down, dampening the mood — the group departs, all except one child who remains behind. That child is none other than Shanao, the future Minamoto no Yoshitsune (Ushiwakamaru).
Shanao approaches the mountain ascetic and invites him to enjoy the cherry blossoms. He speaks of his loneliness, surrounded by children of the Heike clan. The ascetic, moved by the boy's plight, guides him to famous spots of cherry blossoms in bloom. When Shanao asks his name, the ascetic reveals himself as the great Tengu who inhabits this mountain. He vows to teach Shanao military strategy to defeat the Heike, and they agree to meet the following day before the Tengu flies away. [Intermission]
The next day, the great Tengu appears before Shanao — now holding a halberd — leading renowned Tengu from across the land. Drawing on the legend of Zhang Liang and the Han emperor Liu Bang, the Tengu instructs Shanao on the proper spirit of a student, then imparts the secrets of military strategy. He pledges to remain by Shanao's side as his guardian forever, then departs into the depths of Mount Kurama with great reluctance.
Performance Details
Kanze School Shiroishi Noh — Kurama Tengu
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
1:00 PM Doors open / 2:00 PM Performance begins / Approx. 4:30 PM Performance ends
Venue: Hekisuien Noh Theater
2-1-13 Minami-machi, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture
Performers
- Shite (Lead): Hideaki Kojima
- Kyogen: Mansai Nomura
- and others
Ticket Prices (Reserved Seating, Tax Included)
| Seat Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Front (Shomen) Seats | ¥6,500 |
| Supplementary Front Seats | ¥6,000 |
| Side (Waki Shomen) Seats | ¥6,000 |
| Supplementary Side Seats | ¥5,500 |
| Center (Naka Shomen) Seats | ¥5,500 |
| Supplementary Center Seats | ¥5,000 |
| Student Tickets (Center Area) | ¥3,500 |
Confetti Exclusive — ¥1,000 off!
Supplementary Center Seats: ¥5,000 → ¥4,000 (Confetti price)
Tickets are available at the Hekisuien Event Information page. For Confetti member benefits and purchase information, visit https://service.confetti-web.com.
