Find the ♡ (Inome) at the Noh Shinden

Hello, this is Watashika.
Today, I'm not talking about Noh itself, but about the 'highlights of the Noh stage.' This is a little account of my Noh theater experience.

Although Noh stages may look the same, each has its own characteristics. Even the old pine tree on the mirror board has its own personality. I personally love the challenging style of the pine tree painted by Insho Domoto at the Kanze Kaikan.

It is also interesting to compare the buildings themselves, such as the height of the ceilings, the walls and seats of the auditorium, and the design of the doors. When you go to see Noh, I recommend enjoying the architecture itself.

Now, at Minatogawa Shrine in Kobe, there is a Noh theater called the 'Noh Shinden.' It has a nice, slightly retro feel. And on the wall of the jiutai-za (chorus seating area), there is a kamidana (household altar) where Kan'ami and Zeami are enshrined. This is apparently because the main deity of Minatogawa Shrine, Masashige Kusunoki, was related to Kan'ami and Zeami. It is deeply moving and delightful to actually see their names on a Noh stage.

And finally, hidden somewhere on the stage of the Noh Shinden is a traditional heart-shaped pattern called 'Inome' (boar's eye). The Inome is an amulet that wards off evil and invites good fortune.

When you are watching your favorite performer on stage, just seeing that heart shape is enough to lift your spirits.

It's like a 'Hidden Mickey' on the Noh stage—a 'Hidden Inome ♡.' Please go and try to find it.

See you later.

Noh theater musings magazine by an outsider ↓