鷹の会 – takanokai

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD'S OLDEST MASKED THEATER "NOH"

Learn more about our Programs

WHAT IS NOH?

Noh is a masked play dedicated to the gods that was created in Japan over 650 years ago.

Noh is said to be the oldest form of entertainment in the world and French missionary Noel Peri, who arrived in Japan during the Meiji era, described Noh as "a living sculpture."

Now, let's take a look into the world of Noh.

A glimpse into the world of Noh.

PROGRAM

Check out the different types of shows!

You don't find any suitable for you? Please feel free to contact us through the contact page with your inquiries or requests. Assistance can be provided in English.

STANDARD PROGRAM

This is the most fundamental Noh experience. In a large venue with 560 seats, you can immerse yourself in the entertainment of Japan from 650 years ago. See Program Details.

LIGHT PROGRAM

We have created a streamlined program. We've reduced both the duration and the price of the show, and still present it on the real stage. After the show, Mr. Takao himself will provide explanations about the Noh dance. See Program Details.

COMPLETE PROGRAM

In the Complete Program, you can savor Japanese cuisine, watch the performance done exclusively for your group, and afterwards, enjoy top-tier Japanese whiskies at the bar. See Program Details.

SPECIAL PROGRAM

The Special Program is a collaboration with other entertainment events held sporadically. In the past, we have collaborated with Irish music groups and Mozart's Orchestra, among others. See Program Details.

Contact

WHO WE ARE

Yukinori TAKAO

I was born under the tutelage of a Noh master, my father. I began studying Noh at the age of one and a half, receiving a rigorous education to eventually inherit my father's Noh theater that has been passed down for over 90 years. I naturally embraced this path without hesitation. At the age of 18, upon graduating from high school, I moved to Tokyo, where I became the apprentice of a living national treasure, guiding his performances to greater heights. After nine years of intensive training, I achieved independence. However, the weight of performing under my own name often led to frequent hyperventilation. Nevertheless, driven by a strong determination to pass on the 650-year history of Noh to future generations, I have performed on numerous stages, both domestically and internationally. I will share the untold stories of my unimaginable training period, the mindset when performing as a shaman, and the experiences from when you visited Fukuoka.

Akihiro TAKAO

Born as the second son, Akihiro, like his elder brother, received a prodigious education and initially followed the path to becoming a Noh performer. However, while his brother remained dedicated to Noh throughout, Akihiro chose a different path for himself, enrolling in college after graduating from high school. Yet, immediately upon completing his degree, he made a resolute decision to rekindle his connection to Noh, his true roots. He moved to Tokyo and underwent five years of rigorous training. Following in his brother's footsteps, he achieved independence at the age of 28, and in 2011, he was registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property, just like his elder brother.

LOCATION "FUKUOKA"

You can witness the Noh performances of these brothers in Fukuoka, often referred to as the gateway to Japan. Fukuoka is a modern city surrounded by abundant natural beauty, including the sea and mountains. Located in Kyushu, a western island of Japan, the region boasts volcanoes, hot springs, and the renowned Yakushima Island, which served as the backdrop for Studio Ghibli's "Princess Mononoke." Kyushu is a diverse area offering a blend of Japan's renowned culinary culture, the warmth of its people, and the beauty of nature integrated into the urban landscape. Fukuoka encapsulates these qualities. We invite you to come to Fukuoka, experience Noh, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Kyushu, allowing you to feel the essence of ancient Japan.