FEATURE:Noh and International Cultural Exchange

Noh has enchanted people all over the world through its charms including sharp skills in the art of chanting and dancing, fascinating stories, literary sophistication, and diversity of expression. The accumulated charms have resulted in the unshakable international reputation of Noh art, registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

This section introduces how people outside of Japan have become enchanted with Noh art and how people involved in Noh in Japan, such as Noh actors in each school and scholars and critics of Noh art, have endeavored to introduce this classic art to the rest of the world.

• 1Introduction to Noh around the World
  The history of the introduction of Noh art to the world is briefly described here.
• 2First Missionary Encounter with Noh
• 3General Grant's High Praise Supported Noh
• 4A Brilliant Role in Meiji Diplomacy
• 5Chamberlain, A Pioneer in the English Translation and Introduction of Meiji-Era Noh
  The Englishman Chamberlain highly praised Noh as an original Japanese literary tradition.
• 6The Legacy of Ernest Satow
  Chamberlain’s study of Noh was also supported by his friendship with Satow.

Enjoying Chamberlain’s Translations “The Robe of Feathers. (Hagoromo)”

• 7Morse – the Zoologist who Learned Noh Chanting
  The Japanese are deeply indebted to Professor Morse for his contributions to Noh.