Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2010

Noh mask of koomote, known as Narano Iseki. Kawachi Wood and color, Edo period 18th century, Nezu Museum

In addition to its somnolent chanting and stately music and movements, ancient noh theater is admired for its atmospheric masks and dazzling costumes. This exhibit at the newly rebuilt Nezu Museum in Aoyama presents some 30 mask-costume combinations from signature noh plays whose rough equivalent in the West would be Shakespearean tragedies like Hamlet. Dating from the Muromachi to Edo periods, these finely crafted masks and richly embroidered robes would have been worn by actors portraying mythical demons as well as lords and princesses. Visitors to the Nezu should also make a point of strolling in its quiet traditional garden, one of the finest in central Tokyo.

Nezu Museum
Until July 4, free (MS and under)/¥1,000 (HS, univ)/¥1,200 (adult). 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-3400-2536. Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mon. Nearest stn: Omotesando. www.nezu-muse.or.jp