We Noh

About We Noh

Welcome to the world of Japanese Noh drama! With this app, anyone can enjoy the exquisite world of the intangible cultural heritage that is the classical art of Noh. Even if you have only 5 minutes before the performance, you can watch the animated stories of the plays or read the highlights and synopsis so that you can fully enjoy the actual dramas. Each play is provided with cards depicting and explaining the costumes, masks and props used in it. You can also learn about Noh through games. Whether you are viewing a live performance or not, this app will give you an insight into the world of Noh.


FEATURES

◆ Learn about the Noh stage and roles in a fun and easy way!
The ancient Noh drama has deep roots in Japanese history and culture. In "We Noh", the character Okina will explain anything you need to know about the fundamental elements of Noh, so that you can fully appreciate a performance.


◆ Anyone can enjoy the animated plays!
Since Noh is an ancient drama, it is performed in classical Japanese language, which makes the plot very difficult to understand without any prior knowledge. To help you enjoy the actual performances, we have animated each play faithfully following the original scripts. Even if you only have 5 minutes before the performance, you can use our app to arm yourself with the necessary knowledge.
The costumes of all dramatis personae, as well as their order of appearance, are faithful to the original plays, and the lines of all animated characters are a digest of the actual text. You can even use the animation as a reference as to which scene of the play is being currently performed.
Each play is also provided with detailed information about its type, creator, as well as synopsis and highlights, which will help you enjoy any Noh play to the maximum. The gallery will also give you cards with visual explanations of the props used in the performance. You can even check the original libretto of the play.

* This app is based on the Kanze school tradition. Direction of plays may differ in other schools, as well as "kogaki" variations.


◆ Learn about Noh masks and costumes through cards!
Each play is provided with beautifully drawn cards, containing illustrations and information about props used in the play. The cards of all plays can be found in the main "Gallery" section which is divided into "Masks", "Costumes", "Headgear", "Fans", "Handheld" and "Props" subsections.


◆ Play and learn at the same time!
We know that knowledge is more easily acquired through games. That is why we have provided two different learning games for you to choose from. With "Noh Memory", you can learn about the Noh masks by pairing matching cards. The four levels of difficulty will challenge your cognitive abilities. With "Noh Brainer" you must help the warrior Hitorimusha fight the ogre Tsuchigumo by answering questions from various fields in Noh. Give correct answers to all questions to defeat the monster.

◆ New plays will be added!
We will continue expanding our content, by choosing the most famous and most representative Noh plays. Expect many more animations and cards in the near future.

◆ All content is provided in English and Japanese, so that more people can enjoy the tradition of Noh drama!

With this app we aim to promote the oldest still existing masked drama in the world - the Japanese classical Noh drama. Have fun and explore the world of this ancient performing art.