Japan's Cultural Flowering (Haiku Poems and Noh Plays)

Introduction:

Japan grew in culture and sophistication during late years of Prince Shotoku's rule.  Although China had a strong influence on Japan, the Japanese adapted Chinese culture to their own tastes.  The nobles who surrounded the emperor at Heian-kyo
were a small part of the Japanese population. Nevertheless, their manners, dress, literature, and arts had a great influence
on Japanese culture.

Directions:

Haiku Poems:

Japanese poets  invented the haiku, a form of poetry with 17 syllables and three lines. Japanese writers used haiku
to create a quick and sometimes humorous image:

“An old silent pond . . .
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.”—Matsuo Basho

For this section read about the history of the Haiku poems in the worksheet Haiku by Basho and read and respond the question on the worksheet.  Then on a separate sheet of paper try writing your own Haiku poem using the 5 syllable - 7 syllable - 5 syllable pattern.  

Digital copy of Haiku worksheet:

Haiku by Basho.pdf Download Haiku by Basho.pdf

Noh Plays:

In the 1300s, a new form of drama known as Noh appeared in Japan. Noh drama is serious and intense. A Noh play takes place on a simple, almost bare stage. The players wear colorful costumes and masks. They chant words to the music of flutes and drums. The players use dance to help tell a story, which is usually based on a well-known tale or Shinto legend.

For this section watch the video about the Japanese Noh play and use the information in the video to complete the video guide.

Noh Play Video:

Play media comment.

Digital copy of Noh Play video guide: 

The Noh Play video guide (Updated 02052015) (a).pdf Download The Noh Play video guide (Updated 02052015) (a).pdf