Mar. 23, 2023 UPDATE
Mibu Kyogen (Mibu Dainenbutsu Kyogen)
- 壬生狂言 -Traveler Friendly
As all the performance is played without a line, you may enjoy their actions and the sound of Japanese instruments.
Information
Japanese only
Languages spoken
Japanese only
PeriodSpring : Seven days from April 29th to May 5th
Autumn : Three days from October 8th to 10th
Winter : Two days before and on the day of Setsubun in February
VenueMibu-dera Temple
Story & Recommendation
Enjoy Kyogen, the important intangible folk culture asset, in Mibu-dera Temple!
It is correctly known as “Mibu Dainenbutsu Kyogen” and has affectionately been familiar among the folks of Kyoto from ancient times. Different from the general Noh Kyogen, this Mibu Kyogen is played without lines in order to tell the teachings of Buddha simply. Instead, they perform with masks to the sounds of the bells, Japanese drums and flutes. Even in the recreational programs, religious characteristics such as the teachings of karma and morality still remain until today. On the last event day, “Kechiganshiki” is played in order to tell the religious importance.
Autumn performance was originally held irregularly and has been stopped since 1871 for 103 years. However, it has been revived in 1974 to develop Kyogen and train the successors. Since then, Mibu-dera Temple offers popular programs every year.
1Highlight
Oketori
This is the most important program in Mibu Kyogen and is very difficult to perform. The brief story is as follows: once upon a time, there was a beautiful dancing girl “Teruko” who only had three fingers in her left hand. Therefore, she prayed in Mibu-dera Temple and provided the water from the precinct to the Buddhist Saint to be able to reborn with no physical defect in the next life. One day, a rich guy who lived close to the temple visited Mibu-dera Temple and fell in love with her. However, as he was married to another woman, his wife became jealous and died insane. The story continues, but it is played by this scene in Mibu Kyogen.
2Highlight
Atagomairi
In the program “Atagomairi”, there is a scene to throw the unglazed earthenware. In this scene, actors will throw the rice crackers instead and it is believed that it will be a protective charm if you eat it. We suggest that you have a seat in the front to catch it!
3Let's join!
Catch the spider’s thread
The program “Tsuchi Kumo“ (A Spider) is famous for the dynamic performance. It is believed that the spider’s thread spread in this program over the venue has the amulet and economic fortune, so let’s try to catch it!
4Let's join!
Buy Horaku rice crackers
In Mibu-dera Temple, you can purchase Horaku rice crackers (10 pieces/ ￥600). Horaku is originally a kitchenware to roast beans and tea leaves, but it has somehow been connected to religious faith as time goes by.
- Manner & Tips -
As there is a roof over the back seats, you can avoid rain. If you would like to enjoy Kyogen at close range even if it rains, the raincoat is sold in the shop in the venue.
