Although Noh is a classic stage art, of which Japan is proud, only a handful of the Japanese have actually visited a Noh theater and appreciated Noh programs. Therefore, The-Noh.com answers questions that surprise and enchant Noh beginners who have not yet familiar with the Noh world.

 Is it true that jars under the floor improve the acoustic effects?

Dating back to the Momoyama era (1573-1596), jars were buried under the Noh stage in Nishi Hongwanji Temple in Kyoto, which is registered as a national treasure today. The jars were placed on an angle with the mouth facing up, in such a way that it increased the acoustic effect because the sound on the stage resonated in the jars.
By the Genroku period (1688-1704) during the Edo era, the acoustic technique had been improved by for example seeking better alignment of the jars and hanging jars in the holes under the stage.
Even today, many Noh theaters place jars under the stage.

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