Japanese comedy flourishes in the space of the Temple of Literature

Kyogen comedy is a very unique spiritual gift that Japanese artists give to Vietnamese audiences on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On the evening of May 10, the audience in the capital enjoyed the show “The World of Kyogen Comedy” right in the ancient space of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, with the talents of father and son artists Ogasawara Tadashi and Ogasawara Hiroaki.

As the first comedy genre born in Japan with a 650-year history, Kyogen has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and is always proudly introduced by the Japanese to international friends.

Hài kịch Nhật Bản thăng hoa trong không gian Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám

Father and son artists Ogasawara Tadashi perform Kyogen comedy at the Temple of Literature. (Photo: Le An)

Passionate about preserving traditional art

Born in 1965, artist Ogasawara Tadashi first stepped onto the stage in 1986. He studied with masters such as the first generation artist Nomura Man – who was awarded the title of “Living National Treasure” of Japan), the late 8th generation artist Nomara Manzo, and the 9th generation artist Nomura Manzo.

As one of the leading artists of the Kyogen comedy stage, Ogasawara Tadashi is active in various roles such as art direction in NHK television programs and visiting professor at Chiba University.

Recognized as an “Important Intangible Cultural Property Preserver”, Ogasawara Tadashi strives to introduce Kyogen drama through performances in many countries around the world, including France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Brazil, Algeria, etc. In addition, he expands the scope of traditional art in many forms such as performing in conjunction with foreign theater troupes.

Notably, his son, artist Ogasawara Hiroaki, also stepped onto the stage for the first time in 2004 at the age of 3. Since then, he has maintained regular stage performances at home and abroad and has acted in television dramas and movies.

Artist Ogasawara Tadashi said that he came to Vietnam in 2022 and had the opportunity to learn about life in Vietnam, realized many similarities in culture, art and awareness of the people of the two countries, so he was honored to perform for the audience for 3 days from May 10-12.

At the first performance on the evening of February 10, the artist chose a play about Bonsai - a topic close to the Vietnamese people, while also interspersing Vietnamese dialogue. Therefore, the audience can overcome the language barrier, feel the charm of Kyogen and receive comfortable laughter.

Artist Ogasawara Tadashi shares at the event. (Photo: Le An)

As the artist shared: “Kyogen is an art form of imagination. Kyogen stage does not have bulky props or complicated details. When the artist performs, our audience can also fully develop their rich imagination.”

The meeting and connection of heritage between the two countries

Bringing traditional Japanese theater art to the Temple of Literature, artist Ogasawara Tadashi also hopes to experience the artistic space created from the combination of Japan and Vietnam.

On this occasion, he also brought 20 Nohgaku masks - the name of traditional Japanese theater arts including Noh and Kyogen plays. These unique works, created by Ogasawara Tadashi himself, were displayed at the Temple of Literature during the event "The World of Kyogen Comedy".

Sharing about the program, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said that Japanese and Vietnamese people have something in common: they love humor. Therefore, Kyogen will bring laughter to Vietnamese audiences and Japanese people living in the capital.

The Ambassador also said that with the passion to introduce traditional Japanese theater art to Vietnamese audiences, artist Ogasawara Tadashi and his son came to Vietnam to survey and carefully prepare for this program.

The Ambassador hopes that through the program, the audience can also feel and discover the close similarities in culture, art as well as perceptions of nature between the two countries.

Audiences explore Nohgaku masks at the exhibition space. (Photo: Le An)

Accompanying the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam to organize this event, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam expressed his pride that this is the venue for many important diplomatic and cultural events in the Vietnam-Japan relationship such as the visit of the Japanese King and Queen in 2017, the calligraphy performance of "Japanese Cultural Exchange Ambassador" Takeda Souun in 2013...

According to Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, performing Kyogen at the place where there are 82 doctoral steles of the Le and Mac dynasties can be seen as a meeting and connecting the heritages between the two countries. He believes that this interesting and meaningful performance will contribute to promoting mutual understanding, as well as enhancing the "heart-to-heart" exchange between the people of the two countries.

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