Nara, capital of Japan from 710 to 784, was the center of international exchange with East Asian countries, and the cradle of many aspects of present-day Japan’s diverse culture. For nearly 1,200 years since that time, the site of Heijo-kyo Palace in Nara has remained in ruins. Nevertheless, Nara boasts many world-class cultural assets, both material and intangible. Among them is the Noh play. Nara is the birthplace of Noh, and this is where the four schools of Noh were developed: namely, KANZE, HOSHO, KOMPARU and KONGO. Among them, only KOMPARU dared to stay in Nara even at the time of a financial crisis during the Meiji Restoration.
Why have such traditional arts as the Noh play in Japan and Kun Opera in China been passed down to the present? We owe it to our parents and ancestors who have inherited these arts for many centuries with a strong awareness of their mission and importance.
Upon this opportunity of commemorating the 1300th anniversary of Nara’s Heijo-kyo Palace, we are planning to produce “zhu JI SI AONIYOSHI”, to transfer our cultural asset to future generations, transcending time and international borders.
Kin Tai-i, general director of this performance, is a descendant of the Qin dynasty of China, and has been devoting himself to the transfer of the Tompa and Manchu cultures, which are being lost, through the music and screen images that he produces. Do you agree that this is one of the ways of how the importance of maintaining our culture can be conveyed to the present and future generations?
Nara citizens and visitors are invited to appreciate this performance as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery of our ancient capital.
（translation by Nara S.G.G Club）
