Kan'ami facts for kids
Kan'ami Kiyotsugu (観阿弥 清次, 1333 – June 8, 1384) was a famous Japanese Noh actor, writer, and musician. He lived during the Muromachi period in Japan. Kan'ami was born as Yūzaki Kiyotsugu (結崎 清次) in Iga Province. He was also known by other names like Miyomaru (観世丸) and Kanze Kiyotsugu (観世 清次). He is the father of the very well-known playwright Zeami Motokiyo.
Kan'ami's Theater Journey
Kan'ami started his career in Obata. There, he created a sarugaku theater group. Sarugaku was a type of entertainment that included acrobatics, music, and dance. His group was in the Kansai area, which is on Japan's main island, Honshu.
Later, his group moved to Yamato. They formed the Yuzaki theater company. This company eventually became the start of the famous Noh theater style. Kan'ami became very popular. He began traveling to Kyoto to perform his shows.
In 1374, an important event happened. The shōgun (a military ruler of Japan) Ashikaga Yoshimitsu watched one of Kan'ami's performances. The shōgun was so impressed that he became Kan'ami's supporter. This helped Kan'ami's career a lot.
Noh Theater Innovations
Kan'ami was the first playwright to add new styles to his plays. He used the Kusemai song and dance style. He also included Dengaku dances. These dances came from old harvest celebrations in the countryside.
Kan'ami taught his son, Zeami Motokiyo, his unique style of performing. His son later took over as the leader of the Kanze school of Noh theater. Kan'ami passed away in Suruga Province.
Famous Plays
Here are some of the well-known plays written by Kan'ami:
- Sotoba Komachi
- Ji'nen koji
- Shiino shōshō
- Matsukaze
- Motomezuka
- Eguchi
