Sado Shima, the Island of Noh
Sado Island became a stronghold of Noh theater due to its historical connection with Zeami, the famed Noh playwright, who was exiled there in the 15th century. During the Edo period, the powerful Sado gold mines brought wealth, attracting Noh troupes sponsored by the ruling samurai and local elites. The island's remoteness helped preserve traditional arts, allowing Noh to flourish as a community practice rather than just an elite performance. Today, Sado remains unique in Japan for its numerous outdoor Noh stages and vibrant local participation in the art form.
Kouzu Ichiji a local Sado's resident plays protagonist Shuntokumaru in Yoroboshi program in Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
People rest on the ground as the ferry boat arrives to Sado Island on June 2, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
A poster of Noh festival in Sado Island is displayed inside the ferry boat on June 2, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
View of Noh stage at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 3, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
A Noh's mask is put on table at the Honma family Noh stage during a rehearsal of Yoroboshi with Kanai Yuji (not pictured), Noh Master and living National treasure of Japan on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (L) a local resident listens advice from Kanai Yuji (R), Noh Master and living National treasure of Japan on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kimonos worn during a Noh performance dry inside Honma family Noh stage before a rehearsal of Yoroboshi on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji a local resident and Noh actor prepare the Honma family Noh stage before a rehearsal of Yoroboshi on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (L) a local resident practice Shuntokumaru at the Honma family Noh stage during a rehearsal of Yoroboshi with Kanai Yuji (C), Noh Master and living National treasure of Japan on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (L) a local resident practice Shuntokumaru at the Honma family Noh stage during a rehearsal of Yoroboshi with Kanai Yuji (R), Noh Master and living National treasure of Japan on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kanai Yuji, Noh Master and living National treasure of Japan poses for a picture on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji a local resident and Noh actor poses for a portrait at the Honma family Noh stage during a rehearsal of Yoroboshi on June 4, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Skyline view of Sado on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
A couple enjoy the nature at Onogame rock on June 3, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
View of Noh stage at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 3, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Noh singers and musicians reads lyrics and partitions before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
A local resident Noh singer read his lyrics before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
A Shinto priest does a ceremony for Noh actors and musicians before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Two miko-san (shinto maiden) hold torch a the shrine entrance before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
staff for the shrine feed fire with log before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
View of Noh stage before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (C) a local Sado's resident playing protagonist Shuntokumaru in Yoroboshi program in Shiizakisuwa shrine waits inside a small house on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
A volunteer adjust the kimono of Kouzu Ichiji as he plays Shuntokumaru before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (C) a local resident is dressed by volunteers as he plays Shuntokumaru with the help of Kanai Yuji, Living National Treasure (2nd from the left) before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (C) a local resident put his mask as he plays Shuntokumaru with the help of Kanai Yuji, Living National Treasure (R) before a representation of Yoroboshi at Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji a local Sado's resident plays protagonist Shuntokumaru in Yoroboshi program in Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (L) a local Sado's resident plays protagonist Shuntokumaru in Yoroboshi program in Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (C) a local Sado's resident plays protagonist Shuntokumaru in Yoroboshi program in Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.
Kouzu Ichiji (L) a local Sado's resident plays protagonist Shuntokumaru in Yoroboshi program in Shiizakisuwa shrine on June 5, 2021 in Sado, Japan.