Japan is known for its classical musical drama called “Noh,” wherein actors do their performance with the help of different masks. Every mask represents a certain character in the story such as a hero, animal, ghost, devil, etc. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress and painted to show a variety of emotions.…
Yurakucho is a popular place in Tokyo with reasonably-priced eateries and a laid-back atmosphere. People generally come to its tiny alleys to socialize and drink after dark. However, its image is changing slightly with the newly opened Alternative Theater on the seventh floor of the Yurakucho Center Building. This theater aims to offer a variety…
Theater is a form of art that not only entertains but also greatly supports a country’s preservation of culture and tradition. In the Netherlands, the well-known Theater Hangar offers a unique experience for viewers of its long-running Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange) musical. This is to try out the SceneAround, a rotating auditorium located…
If there is one Asian country that pays very high regards to cultural heritage and traditional practices, Japan would have to be one of the obvious picks. It is very much apparent, even when you take a random stroll on any city street. From old castles to gorgeous, old-style ryokan (inns; 旅館), you’ll see how…
There was a time when coloring books were just for kids. Nowadays, however, they are considered as a form of affordable yet effective stress relief for adults. Scientific studies prove the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing stress, and coloring seems to offer the same benefits. Some psychologists and therapists prescribe this activity as an…
Imagine watching a show that does not involve the use of words. Would you be able to understand or enjoy it? As it is very likely when you are in Japan most performances that involve language would be (too) difficult to follow, this might be a great alternative. GEAR’s show in Kyoto is the first…
The first-ever theater exclusively dedicated to Butoh just opened last July 7, 2016 in Kyoto! It is known as the Kyoto Butoh-kan which allows a unique form of Japanese dance theater to be gradually known around the world. It has been planned by Art Complex in order to give people the chance to encounter the…
For those who are huge fans of the American reality dance show Dancing with the Stars, a live treat is in store for you! One of the most recognized principal dancers of the show, Cheryl Burke, is bringing her love of dance to us in Japan. Entitled Love on the Floor, the show uses the…
This summer, 2016, there will be a live-action Naruto stage play! The title of the show is Live Spectacle Naruto and the main cast members have been revealed! Judging from the photos, they look very similar to the original characters which will please Naruto fans! Meet the Cast Naruto, the main character who possesses the…
Are you a fan of Kabuki and would love to take the stage yourself? If yes, then there is a perfect opportunity to do just that in Tokyo! The opportunity involves weekly lessons at Kabuki Taro for 6 months with the ultimate goal of performing live on stage at the end of it. Also, even…
