NHK Culture's Kyoto classroom is holding a special course, "The World of Mai Kongo," at Kongo Noh Theatre, with the school's young head serving as instructor.
An Elegant School Known as "Mai Kongo"
Known as "Mai Kongo," the Kongo school is recognized for its elegant, graceful dance and dynamic expression, carrying a distinctive sense of beauty among the five schools of Noh.
The course introduces the history and characteristics of the Kongo school and the appeal of Noh in an accessible way, alongside treasured masks and costumes that have been passed down within the Kongo family since the Muromachi period.
Kongo Tatsunori, young head of the Kongo school
At Kongo Noh Theatre, the venue for the course, the young head himself explains everything from the basics of Noh to points of appreciation.
The session includes a live performance of a shimai excerpt, offering a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and highlights of the dance up close.
Participants will also learn about a work being performed in the near future, with the young head explaining its background, story, and the characters' inner emotions, along with points to notice, deepening enjoyment of the actual performance.
Highlights of the Course
1. A special explanation from the young head
The young head explains the history, traditions, and essence of the Kongo school's artistry in an accessible way.
2. A live performance of "Mai Kongo"
Watch the elegant, dynamic dance unique to the Kongo school up close, experiencing an intensity that video and books cannot convey.
3. Introducing treasured Noh masks and costumes
Precious heirlooms passed down within the Kongo family since the Muromachi period are introduced.
4. Learn what to look for in the performance beforehand
The background, story, and points of appreciation for an upcoming work are explained, in content accessible even to beginners.
From those who are curious about Noh but feel it is hard to approach, to those who regularly attend performances, the course offers something for a wide range of participants.
Across all three sessions, participants can experience the tradition and aesthetic sensibility of the Kyoto-rooted Kongo school and the essence of "Mai Kongo."
Course Details
Noh: The Kongo School (Full 3 Sessions) — The Beauty of "Mai Kongo": Visiting Kongo Noh Theatre
- Instructor: Kongo Tatsunori, young head of the Kongo school
- Venue: Kongo Noh Theatre (602-0912 Karasuma-dori Nakadachiuri-agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto)
- Access:
- 5-minute walk south from Exit 6 of Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
- 5-minute walk south from the Karasuma-Imadegawa city bus stop
- Paid parking available nearby at Kyoto Gyoen
- Dates: September 15 (Tue), September 29 (Tue), and October 13 (Tue), 2026, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Tuition (all 3 sessions): Members ¥16,500 (tax included) / Non-members (no membership required) ¥19,800 (tax included)
- Organizer: NHK Culture Center Kyoto Classroom
- Details: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1339100.html
Each session can also be taken individually.
Tuition (single session): Members ¥5,940 (tax included) / Non-members (no membership required) ¥6,930 (tax included)
Session 1: An Introduction to Noh — The Beauty of "Mai Kongo": Visiting Kongo Noh Theatre
Date: September 15, 2026 (Tue), 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Details: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1338569.html
Session 2: The World of Warriors and Female Demons — The Beauty of "Mai Kongo": Visiting Kongo Noh Theatre
Date: September 29, 2026 (Tue), 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Details: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1339094.html
Session 3: Noh of Prayer and Blessing — The Beauty of "Mai Kongo": Visiting Kongo Noh Theatre
Date: October 13, 2026 (Tue), 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Details: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1339095.html
