GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

Students will learn about the history and aesthetic conventions of Japanese traditional performing arts, presented as living traditions in the context of contemporary Japanese society, using a combination of textual and audiovisual materials. The course will provide ample opportunities to watch videoed performances as well as information regarding live performances. The first half of the semester will focus on nohgaku. In the second half we look at kabuki, bunraku and contemporary theatre. This class will also feature guest lectures from master craftsman and performers depending on their availability.
To complement the academic background about the arts this class will also feature a direct, hands-on approach to the topics covered as well.

By the end of this course, students will have a good overview of how the performing arts in Japan is continually evolving from tribal ritual, to modern stage performance.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

1. This course will employ a number of teaching methods relevant to the subject, ranging from activity based classes, group discussions, research assignments and culminating in a final project that can be either literary (traditional essay, original script in a style learned in class) or performative (students can stage an original performance of their choosing)
2. Submission of assignments and feedback will be via email,the Learning Management System and/or Google Classroom.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[対面/face to face]：Introduction to Japanese performing arts

Introduction, Overview of syllabus.Timeline of performing arts in Japan

2[対面/face to face]：Ritual and performing practices of Early Japan

Students look at the research on early Japanese ritual and performance.

3[対面/face to face]：History of nohgaku

Overview of the history of nohgaku from its origins until today.

4[対面/face to face]：Noh focus: Hayashi the heartbeat of noh

Students will discuss each instrument of noh and go over the how they interact with each other.

5[対面/face to face]：Noh and kyōgen masks

Students will examine noh and kyōgen masks within the history of Japanese
performing arts. Possible visit from master carver and mask maker Kitazawa Hideta

6[対面/face to face]：Noh focus: the flow of noh.

Students will watch a noh on video, taking notes during the viewing. Students will go through the notes taken, exchange opinions, ask questions, and investigate noh further. Possible visit by professional noh performer.

7[対面/face to face]：Introduction to kabuki: origins and history

Overview of the thriving performance culture in the late sixteenth century, which brought the birth of kabuki, and of kabuki's development afterwards.

8[対面/face to face]：The kabuki actor

Students will examine kabuki as an actor’s theatre, the close relationship between
actors and spectators, and its influence on the stage construction and conventions.

9[対面/face to face]：Bunraku puppet theatre: history and performance

Overview of the development of bunraku and the elements of performance:
puppets, puppeteers, music accompaniment and chanted narration, stage
conventions and effects.

10[対面/face to face]：Meiji to the war: Mid-1800’s to early 1940's

Students look at Japan's embrace and experimentation with new forms of stage art and how traditional arts helped fuel imperial hopes.

11[対面/face to face]：Post-war Japan: Re-entering global performance 1945-1975

Students will look at Japan's rich period of theatrical experimentation.

12[対面/face to face]：The Bubble to Now: 1975-2023

Students look at the boom of theatre, the building of arts centers, and the continued evolution of Japanese performing art both the traditional and contemporary.

13[対面/face to face]：Final presentations part 1

Students will be required to make a presentation based either on an essay they have written or an original script,

14[対面/face to face]：Final presentations part 2

Students will be required to make a presentation based either on an essay they have written or an original script,

Students must complete any homework tasks given prior to or following certain classes.
Reading assignments must be read before each class. Students will watch some video in class, but there will also be assignments to watch online content outside the classroom.

In addition, students must keep a viewing journal which describes one performative event they witness each week. Whether it is an actual live performance or an everyday interaction (such as: transaction at a convenience store, observing a couple arguing, someone reading sleeping on public transport etc.)

Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Material - when necessary - will be provided by the instructor and distributed in class or online.

A list of related references - when necessary - will be provided by the instructor.

Participation 40%
Weekly live event journal 30%
Final assignment (paper or performance): 30%

n/a

Watching on screens is a weak substitute for the live event. While it is not required or possible for the whole class to attend performances, I believe students will benefit immeasurably from going to see the traditional arts in person. For students interested in going on their own to performances around Tokyo, the instructor can give further information on the best ways to attend.

None.