Imaju Yashiki Noh Museum

OVERVIEW

Echoes of Noh: Nagahama’s Cultural Resurgence

Located to the east of the Kurokabe Square District, the Imaju Yashiki complex revitalizes a former sake brewery, transforming its storehouse into a Noh theater hall. This venue aims to cultivate an appreciation for Noh performances, an ancient Japanese art blending music, dance, and drama. Noh plays, featuring masked actors in elaborate attire, depict tales of legends, spirits, and human emotions through deliberate, stylized movements and impactful presentations.

Nagahama has a historical connection to Noh theaters, and two such venues are believed to have existed here historically. Several Shinto shrines in the area preserve Noh masks and costumes from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Notably, Nagahama Hachimangu Shrine preserves a Noh stage constructed in 1778. This historical context relates to Hideyoshi, a prominent feudal lord and the town’s founder during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600). Noh theater flourished under Hideyoshi’s patronage, attracting admiration from notable warriors and indicating its rising cultural significance. Hideyoshi himself was an avid supporter of Noh, often participating in performances. Along with the Noh stage, the facility also showcases locally-owned Noh costumes, instruments, and masks. It also conducts workshops on Noh singing, dance, and mask-making to stimulate interest in Noh theater among the local community.

This facility is covered by the Nagahama Excursion Passport >>