October 23, 2009
A social gathering was hosted by KCJS audit students of Kyoto University at the Nanbu Cafeteria. KCJS stands for Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies, which is operated by 14 universities of the United States; every year, 40 to 50 American students participate in the program to learn about Japan in Kyoto. The International Center of Kyoto University solicits audit students every year for the fall and spring semesters, and about 12 Kyoto University students participate every semester as audit students in KCJS lectures.
Participants in the social gathering comprised KCJS students, audit students from Kyoto University and Doshisha University, and Kyoto University students engaged as Language Exchange Partners with KCJS students. The gathering started with a toast by the hosting students, and after the participants enjoyed the buffet-style meal, a Kyogen program by Mr. Shinichi Yoshitani, a KCJS audit student, and others of Kyoto University Kyogen Association was presented under the instruction and cooperation of Mr. Masao Kimura of the Okura School of Kyogen. Prior to the Kyogen program, the storyline was explained in English, followed by a performance of Chidori, a play that comically depicts the verbal battle between Taro Kaja, who tries to utilize his eloquence to try to take away a sake barrel, and the owner of the sake shop. Then, the acting of Kyogen, the typical kata or forms, and the differences between Noh and Kyogen were explained, followed by a Q&A session, all conducted in English. During the Q&A, KCJS students asked questions such as "Is there any significance to the length of the hakama?" and “How much practice is required before an actor can perform with confidence?" The respective answers provided were, "The length of the hakama is determined by the rank of the character. Therefore, the hakama of Taro Kaja, a servant, is short, but the hakama of his master and the owner of the sake shop are long"; and “We must practice for a long time, but in fact, there is no goal point. Our master is over 80 years old, but he says he is still not satisfied with his stage performance." The participants seemed deeply satisfied with the answers.
A social buffet-style party ensued together with the performers, and all present, including the KCJS students and the Japanese students, shared a pleasant time of communication and conversation.
 Socializing during buffet-style party |
 Kyogen Chidori: Beginning |
 Kyogen Chidori: Owner of sake shop carrying the sake barrel |
 Kyogen Chidori: Verbal battle over the sake barrel |