Japanese comedy flourishes in the space of the Temple of Literature

Kyogen comedy is a unique spiritual gift that Japanese artists are giving to Vietnamese audiences to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On the evening of May 10th, Hanoi audiences enjoyed the " World of Kyogen Comedy" show in the ancient setting of the Temple of Literature - National University, featuring the talents of father and son artists Ogasawara Tadashi and Ogasawara Hiroaki.

As the first comedic genre to originate in Japan, with a rich tradition spanning 650 years, Kyogen has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and is always proudly presented by the Japanese to the international community.

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

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

Passionate about preserving traditional art.

Born in 1965, artist Ogasawara Tadashi made his stage debut in 1986. He studied under masters such as the first generation artist Nomura Manzo – who was awarded the title of “Living National Treasure” of Japan), the late eighth generation artist Nomura Manzo, and the ninth generation artist Nomura Manzo.

As one of the leading artists of Kyogen comedy, Ogasawara Tadashi has worked in various roles such as directing artistic performances in NHK television programs and as a visiting professor at Chiba University.

Recognized as a "Preserver of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage," Ogasawara Tadashi strives to introduce Kyogen theater through performances in many countries around the world, including France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Brazil, Algeria, and others. In addition, he expands the scope of this traditional art form through various methods, such as collaborative performances with international theater troupes.

Notably, his son, artist Ogasawara Hiroaki, also made his stage debut in 2004 at the age of 3. Since then, he has consistently performed on stage both domestically and internationally and has also acted in television dramas and films.

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

At the premiere on the evening of February 10th, the artist chose a performance about bonsai trees – a theme familiar to Vietnamese people – while also incorporating dialogue in Vietnamese. Therefore, the audience could overcome the language barrier, appreciate the charm of Kyogen, and enjoy hearty laughter.

Artist Ogasawara Tadashi shared his thoughts at the event. (Photo: Le An)

As the artist shared: “Kyogen is an art form of imagination. The Kyogen stage doesn't have cumbersome props or complicated details. When the artist performs, our audience is also given the opportunity to unleash their rich imaginations.”

The meeting and connection of heritage between the two countries.

By bringing traditional Japanese theatrical art forms to the Temple of Literature - National University, artist Ogasawara Tadashi also hopes to create an artistic space that reflects the fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese influences.

On this occasion, he also brought 20 Nohgaku masks – the name given to traditional Japanese theatrical art encompassing Noh drama and Kyogen. These unique works, crafted by Ogasawara Tadashi himself, were displayed at the Temple of Literature throughout the "World of Kyogen Comedy" event.

Sharing his thoughts on the program, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said that Japanese and Vietnamese people share a common love for humor. Therefore, Kyogen will bring laughter to Vietnamese audiences and Japanese people living in the capital city.

The ambassador also stated that, with a passion for introducing traditional Japanese theatrical arts to Vietnamese audiences, the father and son artists Ogasawara Tadashi had come to Vietnam to conduct thorough research and preparation for this program.

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

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

Accompanying the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam in organizing this event, Mr. Le Xuan Kieu - Director of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center - expressed his pride that this is the location of many important diplomatic and cultural events in Vietnam-Japan relations, such as the visit of the Japanese Emperor and Empress in 2017, the calligraphy performance by "Japanese Cultural Exchange Ambassador" Takeda Souun in 2013...

According to Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, the Kyogen performance at the site of 82 doctoral steles from the Le and Mac dynasties can be likened to a meeting and connection of heritage between the two countries. He believes that this interesting and meaningful performance will contribute to promoting mutual understanding, as well as strengthening "heart-to-heart" exchanges between the people of the two countries.

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