Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo showcases “Noh,” the oldest dramatic form in the world collaborating with the National Noh Theatre

TOKYO – Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (KPH), one of Japan’s most prestigious international hotels located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will hold a special exhibition of the world’s oldest dramatic form “Noh” from June 1 to 29, 2016, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of our hotel’s operations. A number of highly precious masks and costumes used in the Japanese classical drama “Noh” and related art items will be provided by the National Noh Theatre to be viewed by visitors free of charge. And on June 16, renowned Noh performer Yoshimasa Kanze will perform an excerpt of Noh drama entitled “Atsumori” with special commentary. Along with the performance, exclusive lunch course specially prepared by Executive Chef Hiroshi Ichikawa will also be served. In addition, free Noh demonstrations will be held in the main lobby of our hotel on June 22 and 23.  

 

The classical symbolic art of “Noh” drama has been performed within Japan for over 600 years. Noh’s highly refined movements and theatrics have influenced various arts and it has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2008. This special exhibition will be held to not only commemorate the Keio Plaza Hotel’s 45th anniversary of operations, but also to entertain guests who visit from over 100 different countries by providing them with glimpses of one of Japan’s highly unique art forms. 

 

Over 40 different Noh related art items will be displayed, including 6 costumes and 20 masks worn in Noh performances since the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), and various art items documenting the art form of Noh for hotel guests to enjoy. On June 22 and 23 from 2:00p.m., demonstrations of Noh will be performed in the main lobby area of our hotel for guests to enjoy free of charge.