Noh

Noh is a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama that originated in the 14th century and has been regularly performed ever since. It is based on traditional literature featuring supernatural beings transformed into human heroes, and uses masks, costumes, and props in a dance-based performance. The oldest major theater art still regularly performed today, Noh is highly codified and regulated by the iemoto system, with a strong emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. The art form has a complex history, with roots in sangaku, a 8th century Chinese performance art, and other traditional Japanese art forms such as sarugaku, shirabyōshi, gagaku, and kagura. The Konparu school, which is considered the oldest tradition of Noh, was founded by Bishaō Gon no Kami in the 14th century, and Noh was eventually established as the most prominent theater art form of the time with the support of shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.learn more on wikipedia