Discover Kyōgen | The Art of Laughter

Presented by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan

Discover kyōgen (狂言) — a form of traditional Japanese comic theater — at our special lecture and demonstration featuring performers from the Izumi School.

Kyōgen is a centuries-old theatrical tradition in Japan, known for its lively humor, exaggerated gestures, and witty dialogue. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, the term "kyōgen" originates from the concept kyōgen kigo (狂言綺語), meaning “flowery phrases” and “absurd words.” In the Muromachi period, "kyōgen" grew to describe theater as well. Often performed alongside of noh (能) theater— a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama — kyōgen provides comic relief contrasting tragic noh acts. While noh relies on masks, dance, and music to tell its stories, kyōgen brings its characters to life through spirited dialogue and physical comedy. Recognized worldwide as “The Art of Laughter,” kyōgen’s timeless humor continues to entertain audiences today.

The event will feature the first professional female kyōgen performers Junko Izumi, Tokuro Miyake the 10th, and Kyoko Izumi. Kazuhide Izumi will join them for this event, creating a truly gender-equal kyōgen performance.

Guests will learn about the history, style, and cultural significance of kyōgen, experience a live demonstration of kyōgen, and engage with the performers in an audience Q&A.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the charm and humor of kyōgen firsthand!

Junko Izumi is the eldest daughter of Motohide Izumi, the 19th-generation headmaster of the Izumi School of Kyōgen, which has upheld 587 years of tradition. She made her stage debut at the age of three alongside her grandfather, Tokuro Miyake the 9th. Breaking a 600-year-old tradition, she became the first professional female kyōgen performer in what was previously an all-male art form.

In 1989, she received a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Education for her contributions to the art of kyōgen. She has also gained popular recognition through TV appearances and commercials.

In 2022, she celebrated her 50th anniversary as a kyōgen performer. Her daughter, Kyoko Izumi, and son, Kazuhide Izumi, continue the family’s legacy as the next generation of kyōgen actors. She is also a lecturer at The University of Tokyo.

The eldest daughter of Junko Izumi, Kyoko Izumi is the second-generation female kyōgen performer in her family. She began her training at just one and a half years old, carrying on the Izumi School’s traditions. At the age of twenty, she performed the celebrated "Sanbaso" and has since taken the stage in both Japan and abroad.

Her performances include hōnō kyōgen (奉納狂言; a dedication kyōgen only performed during religious ceremonies and festivals) at UNESCO World Heritage sites and appearances at the World Expositions in Shanghai and Milan. In 2022, she performed Kyōgen in English at the World Assembly for Women (WAW!).

She is currently a graduate student at The University of Tokyo and was named Japan’s 30th Sakura Queen.

The eldest son of Junko Izumi and grandson of Motohide Izumi, the 19th-generation headmaster of the Izumi School of Kyōgen, Kazuhide Izumi has been actively performing since 2011.

He has taken on many leading roles (Shite), including "Fuku-no-Kami," "Koshiinori," "Nasuno-Yoichi-no-Katari," "Senzai," "Suehirokari," and "Sanbaso."

He has performed in official performances in Japan and abroad, including hōnō kyōgen at World Heritage sites and appearances at the World Expositions in Shanghai and Milan. In 2022, he expanded his repertoire by performing kyōgen in Spanish, starring in "Bonzan."

He is currently a student at Aoyama Gakuin High School.

The 10th head of the prominent Tokuro Miyake acting family, Tokuro Miyake the 10th is the second daughter of the 19th-generation headmaster of the Izumi School.

She made her stage debut at age two and mastered the great kyōgen plays required for professional status at ages 12 and 14. She is the second woman in history to perform kyōgen professionally. In 1987, she was appointed by Tokuro Miyake the 9th, the living national treasure, and inherited Tokuro Miyake the 10th. She received a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Education in 1989.

Miyake regularly performs across Japan and conducts educational workshops for students and young audiences. She has appeared in over 14 countries and 30 cities, including performances in Asia, Europe, and the U.S.

In 2012, she was invited as an Art Director at North Dakota State University for the English kyōgen project "Wokashi", where she taught and directed kyōgen performances. She also participated in Japan-U.S. cultural exchange tours organized by the Prime Minister’s Office in 2014, 2016, and 2019.

She actively produces multilingual kyōgen performances and conducts workshops in English, aiming to expand kyōgen’s reach as a global performing art.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required for security purposes. Program begins at 6:30PM. Doors open 30 minutes prior. No admittance after 7:00 PM or once seating is full. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat

Host or Publisher Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan