New Year’s Performance: Noh Dance and music

I attended a New Year performance of Noh dance and music. First, I listened to hayashi (subayashi)—the instrumental ensemble of flute, small hand drum, large hand drum, and taiko—performed on its own, without singing, dancing, or dramatic action. Experiencing Noh music in this purely musical form was very rare and deeply striking.

After that, we enjoyed Hakamanō and Sanbasō. These were performed by actors without masks or elaborate costumes, allowing the focus to rest entirely on movement, rhythm, and presence.