Eisei Bunko: 'Eieiyatto na! Unveiled! Kyogen Masks and Costumes of the Hosokawa Clan'

About this event

Eisei Bunko will hold the summer exhibition 'Eieiyatto na! Unveiled! Kyogen Masks and Costumes of the Hosokawa Clan' from Saturday, July 11 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. In this exhibition, Kyogen costumes and masks handed down within the Hosokawa clan, who loved Noh theater, will be brought out of storage and put on public display. Kyogen is a representative Japanese performing art continuing since the Muromachi period, where stories progress through dialogue and gestures on a Noh stage without elaborate stage sets. Most characters are common folk, and through laughter, human nature is portrayed generously yet sharply. The Hosokawa clan loved Noh theater from the time of its founder Yusai and possessed many tools for Noh and Kyogen. This exhibition features Kyogen costumes (suo, kataginu, hanbakama, etc.) and Kyogen masks handed down from the Hosokawa clan to Eisei Bunko. The costumes feature dyed patterns on hemp fabric, showcasing simple yet impactful coloration. The Kyogen masks used include comical ones with exaggerated expressions as well as approachable ones such as animals. Furthermore, as a special feature this time, comments from the performers' perspective by Mansaku Nomura, Mansai Nomura, and Yuki Nomura from 'Mansaku-no-Kai' will accompany the exhibits. You can view the works closer than from a Noh stage and experience the unique designs and enjoyment of Kyogen. 'Eieiyatto na!' is one of the shouts (kakegoe) used in Kyogen when jumping over or throwing objects. This exhibition showcases the largest number of Kyogen materials to date from the vast collection of Noh theater materials housed at Eisei Bunko. In particular, the bold, unexpected designs of kataginu and the humorous, diverse Kyogen masks are must-sees.

Venue

Eisei Bunko Museum

1-1-1 Mejirodai, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0015