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Noh (Nou) performed outdoors by the light of a bonfire is called Takigi Noh. It originated in the practice of burning sacred firewood (takigi) during the shunie ceremony at Kofukuji (Koufukuji) Temple in Nara. During the Muromachi Era (1333-1568), the golden era for the arts, Takigi Noh performances, often lasting several days, were staged at Kofukuji and Kasuga Jinja Shrine (also in Nara) where they are still performed in May. For synopsis of the Noh plays see P.G. O'Neill's "A Guide to Noh." Tokyo & Kyoto Japan, Hinoki Shoten.

SEASONAL EVENTS Yasukuni Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh (Hono Yozakura Noh) -- Early April, Yasukuni Jinja Shrine, Kudanshita Sta. (Tozai Line). Shrine (03) 3261-8326. (URL: http://www.yasukuni.or.jp/index.html) useful information in Japanese only; stories about the shrine in English

Nara Takigi Noh -- May 11 & May 12, Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. Nara-shi Kanko Kyokai Tourist Office, tel: (0742) 22-3900.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple Takigi Noh -- Mid-May, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Narita Sta. (Keisei Line), walk 20 min. Tel: (0476) 22-2111.

Hikawa Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh -- Late May, Hikawa Jinja Shrine, Omiya Koen Sta. (Tobu-Noda Line). Tel: (048) 641-0137.

Zojoji Temple Takigi Noh -- Late May, Zojoji Temple, Onarimon Sta. (Toei-Mita Line). Tel: (03) 3432-1431.

Sanno Hie Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh -- Late July, Sanno Hie Jinja Shrine, Akasaka-mitsuke Sta. (Ginza Line). Tel: (03) 3581-2471.

Asakusa Sensoji Temple -- Late August (Taito-ku residents can apply for tickets by early July), Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Sta. (Ginza/Toei-Asakusa Line). Tel: (03) 5246-1111.

Hikawa Jinja Shrine Takigi Noh -- Late August, Hikawa Jinja Shrine, Kawagoe Sta. (Tobu-Tojo Line). Tel: (0492) 24-0589.

Bannanji Temple Takigi Noh -- Mid-September, Bannanji Temple, Ashikaga Sta. (Tobu-Isesaki Line). Tel: (0284) 21-1141.

Isonokami Jingu Shrine Takigi Noh -- Sept. 23, 4pm, Isonokami Jingu Shrine, Tenri-shi, Nara-ken. In case of rain it is held at the Tenri Shimin Kaikan. Non-reserved 5,000 yen. Kamakuragu Shrine Takigi Noh -- Early October, 5pm, Kamakuragu Shrine, Kamakura Sta. (JR Yokosuka Line). FREE. Send a reply postcard (oufuku hagaki) with your name, address, tel. no. & age, to: Takigi Noh-kakari, Kamakura-shi Kanko Kyokai, 1-10-5 Komachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken 248-0006; by September 8. Tel: (0467) 23-3050.

Shinagawa Takigi Noh -- Early October, 6pm, Shinagawa Kuritsu Togoshi Koen Park (in case of rain the performance will be held at the Kyurian Hall 8F, Oimachi Sta. Marui Dept. Store). 3,500 yen. Maple Center (03) 3774-5050. Ticket Pia (03) 5237-9999.

Kichijoji Gessoji Temple Takigi Noh -- Early October, 6pm, Gessoji Temple. 5,000 yen. Tickets are on sale at the Kichijoji Seiyu. Tel: (0422) 22-0381.

Meiji Jingu Takigi Noh -- Early October, 6pm, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku Sta. (JR Yamanote Line). FREE. Send a reply postcard (oufuku hagaki) with your name, address, tel. no. & age, to: Meiji Jingu Takigi Noh-kakari, Akasaka Yubinkyokudome 107-8880; by Sept. 16. Tel: (03) 3405-1111.

Odawara Castle Takigi Noh (Odawarajo Takigi Nou) -- Early October, 5:30pm, Odawara Castle, Odawara Sta. (Odakyu Line). 4,000 yen. Tel: (0465) 22-5002.

Oyama Takigi Noh (Ooyama Takigi Nou) -- Early October, 4:30pm, Afuri Jinja Shrine, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa-ken. FREE. Send a reply postcard (oufuku hagaki) with your name, address, tel. no. & age, to: Himatsuri Takigi Noh Jikko Iinkai, Oyama Afuri Jinjakyonai, 355 Oyama, Isehara-shi, Kanagawa-ken 259-1107; by September 10. Tel: (0463) 95-2006.

Hibiya City Noh Night Performance "Ya-Noh" (Dai-nijuukai Hibiya Shitei Ya Nou) -- Middle of October, Hibiya City, Uchisaiwaicho Sta. (Toei-Mita Line). Reserved tickets 4,500 yen, non-reserved 3,500 yen. Hibiya City (03) 3595-0295, Lawson Ticket (03) 5537-9955, Ticket Pia (03) 5237-9999.

Mori no Takigi Noh (Noh & Kyogen plays performed in the Shinjuku Gyoen Park by firelight) -- Middle of October, 6pm. Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Sta. (Marunouchi Line). 4,800 yen (all non-reserved; dress warmly and bring something to sit on; tickets will be refunded in case of rain). Let's hope that it doesn't rain because if it does even a half-way through they make an announcement and leave the stage very quickly. Tickets are sold at the Yotsuya Branch Office of Shinjuku City and other places. For more info, call Shinjuku City Tourist Association (Shinjuku-ku Kankou Kyoukai) at (03) 3209-1111, ext. 3272.

Kawaguchi Takigi Noh -- Middle of October, Kawaguchi Shiritsu Green Center (in case of rain at Kawaguchi Lilia Hall). For details, call Kawaguchi Takigi Noh Jikko Iinkai Jimukyoku (048) 255-5911.

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