Workshop on ‘Noh’
2026/7/1
UMEWAKA Yasushi-Sensei demonstrating a Noh performance.
A Noh costume for a female character, laid out on a table.
On 1 July, just half a year before the commencement of the 70th anniversary for the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Ireland welcomed UMEWAKA Yasushi-Sensei, to the official residence of the Ambassador to hold a workshop on ‘Noh’, Japan’s oldest living theatre art, going back to the 14th century! UMEWAKA-Sensei inaugurated the gathering by performing ‘Takasago’ to celebrate the occasion, and then demonstrated Noh performances and techniques.
Throughout the workshop, Ms YAMAKI Mizuho, who conducts research on Noh and Celtic folklore at University College Dublin, interpreted the explanations by UMEWAKA-Sensei. Guests took part in trying on Noh masks, singing Noh songs, and moving like a real Noh performer on stage!
In his explanations, UMEWAKA-Sensei highlighted the similarities between Celtic patterns and those found on Noh costumes, as well as the commonalities between Celtic folklore and Japanese Noh theatre, such as the appearance of spirits dwelling in trees.
Thank you to everyone who joined the event!
UMEWAKA Yasushi-Sensei is a Noh performer (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder, comprehensive). He is a member of a 650-year-old Noh lineage, with extensive experience performing across Asia and Europe. He visited Ireland following a performance in the Martha Argerich Festival in Hamburg, Germany.
【Opening remarks by Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu】
Good morning, everyone.
Welcome to the very first event to commemorate the friendship between Ireland and Japan toward the 70th Anniversary for the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr UMEWAKA Yasushi, Master of Nohgaku, Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, who has kindly agreed to visit Ireland and will share his experiences and knowledge with all of us this morning.
My special thanks also go to Ms YAMAKI Mizuho, who has connected us together through her research on Noh and Celtic folklore at University College Dublin.
The Embassy of Japan is honoured and pleased to host this event. Today, 1 July also coincides with the inauguration of the Irish EU Presidency.
Now dear friends, thank you for your participation. Without further ado, please enjoy and experience Noh. Later let us talk each other over some Japanese refreshment.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Throughout the workshop, Ms YAMAKI Mizuho, who conducts research on Noh and Celtic folklore at University College Dublin, interpreted the explanations by UMEWAKA-Sensei. Guests took part in trying on Noh masks, singing Noh songs, and moving like a real Noh performer on stage!
In his explanations, UMEWAKA-Sensei highlighted the similarities between Celtic patterns and those found on Noh costumes, as well as the commonalities between Celtic folklore and Japanese Noh theatre, such as the appearance of spirits dwelling in trees.
Thank you to everyone who joined the event!
UMEWAKA Yasushi-Sensei is a Noh performer (Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder, comprehensive). He is a member of a 650-year-old Noh lineage, with extensive experience performing across Asia and Europe. He visited Ireland following a performance in the Martha Argerich Festival in Hamburg, Germany.
【Opening remarks by Ambassador MIYAGAWA Manabu】
Good morning, everyone.
Welcome to the very first event to commemorate the friendship between Ireland and Japan toward the 70th Anniversary for the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr UMEWAKA Yasushi, Master of Nohgaku, Holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property, who has kindly agreed to visit Ireland and will share his experiences and knowledge with all of us this morning.
My special thanks also go to Ms YAMAKI Mizuho, who has connected us together through her research on Noh and Celtic folklore at University College Dublin.
The Embassy of Japan is honoured and pleased to host this event. Today, 1 July also coincides with the inauguration of the Irish EU Presidency.
Now dear friends, thank you for your participation. Without further ado, please enjoy and experience Noh. Later let us talk each other over some Japanese refreshment.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
A guest trying on the Noh mask and Noh walking techniques.(Right: Ms. YAMAKI Mizuho, University College Dublin interpreting Mr UMEWAKA’s explanations)
A Noh costume for a female character being shown to the guests and explained by UMEWAKA-Sensei. The actor behind the mask is Dáithí Ó hAodha, PhD, in charge of cultural affairs at the Embassy of Japan in Ireland
A guest trying on the Noh mask and Noh walking techniques.