#Japan #Shibuya #Ukiyo-e #Noh Theater #Shibu Art

Special Talk Event: Ukiyo-e × Noh & Kyogen - Ghost Stories for Adults

On December 5, 2025, a unique talk event titled "Ukiyo-e × Noh & Kyogen: Ghost Stories for Adults" will take place at the Cellar Tower Noh Theater located beneath the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya. This event is a collaboration between the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, known for its dedicated focus on Ukiyo-e, and the Cellar Tower Noh Theater, part of the ongoing Shibu Art initiative organized by Bunkamura.

As a summer highlight for the Shibuya Art initiative, the event aims to offer a refreshing cultural experience, connecting the traditional Japanese arts of Ukiyo-e prints and Noh theater. The evening will feature insights from Kenji Hinohara, chief curator at Ota Memorial Museum, and Yasuda Noboru, a celebrated Noh performer. Both will guide the audience through the intriguing themes of ghosts and supernatural entities present in Ukiyo-e and Noh performances.

An Evening of Haunting Tales

The popularity of the ghost theme in art and theater during the Edo and Muromachi periods is profound, with a rich tapestry of stories that continue to captivate audiences today. The discussion will delve into seminal works from Ukiyo-e that depict the eerie and otherworldly, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these narratives were constructed and their semantic significance.

Kenji Hinohara will anchor the conversation with expertise based on his recent book, "Sagasihon Kowai Ukiyo-e Obakeyashiki" (Published by Kodansha), offering a scholarly perspective to these ghostly tales. In collaboration with Yasuda Noboru, who will bring his performance insights to the dialogue, the audience will gain a deeper appreciation for both the supernatural aspects of Japanese culture and methods of enjoying traditional arts.

About the Speakers

Kenji Hinohara

Kenji Hinohara, born in 1974 in Chiba, Japan, is the chief curator at the Ota Memorial Museum. He completed his graduate studies at Keio University and has curated numerous exhibitions focusing on Ukiyo-e. His impressive portfolio includes books on the subject, public speaking, and media appearances, contributing significantly to the cultural discourse surrounding Ukiyo-e.

Yasuda Noboru

As a renowned Noh performer from the Wakigata Shikake Hosho lineage, Yasuda Noboru's work blurs the lines between classical art forms and contemporary narratives. He regularly performs both in Japan and abroad, enriching the global understanding of Noh. Known for his engaging teaching style, Noboru's presentations often include elements of humor and accessibility, making the hushed topics of Noh engaging for modern audiences.

Event Details

• - Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
• - Time: Doors open at 18:30, event starts at 19:00
• - Location: Cellar Tower Noh Theater, B2F Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya
• - Tickets: 2,000 yen (tax included, free seating)
• - Day-of Tickets: 2,500 yen (if available on the day of)
• - Purchase Links: MY Bunkamura Online Ticketing

Join us for a memorable night where traditional Japanese art meets thrilling folklore. Don't miss the opportunity to dive into the world of Ukiyo-e and Noh, as we explore the spooky yet fascinating intersections of these cultural treasures. Check out the Shibu Art website for more information and upcoming events: Shibu Art Initiative.