Traditional Performing Arts for Kids: Watch as kids grow

Traditional Performing Arts for Kids aims to pass on traditional performing arts to the next generation and also to improve the cultural appeal of Tokyo.
There are 13 courses in the four genres of Noh (chanting, dancing, theater), nagauta (shamisen, musical accompaniment [small hand drum], musical accompaniment [Japanese transverse bamboo flute]), sangoku instrumental trio (koto, shakuhachi), and Japanese traditional dance. Junior and senior high school students are instructed by professional performers, and put on a full-scale performance. About 4,000 children have participated so far, and this year marks the 14th time it has been held.
We were able to see four second- to third-grade students practicing Noh at the Umewaka Nohgaku Gakuin Kaikan in Nakano-ku.
The course in Noh chanting and dancing has classes that last 45 minutes.
Students sing along with the chanting of the teacher. Although it is hard to see and imitate the shape of the teacher’s mouth because of the mask worn to prevent the spread infectious diseases, they can practice by listening to the teacher’s voice.
In the second half of the rehearsal, they moved to an actual Noh stage to practice foot sliding and dance.
When we asked the children what motivated them to participate and what they thought about the course, they said, “I wanted to try it because I like Japanese history,” and “I like dancing. It's fun.”
There will be a recital at the end of the course in March. We look forward to seeing their performance.

Opening ceremony (September 25, 2021, National Noh Theatre, Photo by Muto Naomi)	The instructor uses a face shield and two masks. The children speak following the instructor.

It’s hard to sit like this!	With a serious look	Practicing a Noh play on stage