Masks and Costume for the Noh Play, Kuzu

In the Hakuho period (672-710), after the death of Emperor Tenji (r. 627-671, actuator of the Taika Reform and founder of the capital Otsu in Omi province, present-day Shiga prefecture), his eldest son Prince Otomo succeeded to the throne. Some people objected to the prince's enthronement, however, revolting against their new ruler in 672 and championing Emperor Tenji's younger brother, Prince Oama (later, Emperor Tenmu) in his place. The Noh play Kuzu narrates a legend based on this revolt (known as the Jinshin War), during which Emperor Tenmu escaped an attack sent by Prince Otomo by fleeing to Mt. Yoshino in Nara.

The play's story begins with Emperor Tenmu hiding from the enemy in the mountains. Two elderly local mountain dwellers (known as kuzu), fishing from a boat on the Yoshino River at the time, notice purple clouds and an omen star shining above their hut. Wondering how purple clouds, believed to mark the presence of a noble figure destined to rule the world, could appear over their dwelling, the couple hurry back to their home to discover Emperor Tenmu hiding there. (In Noh theater, noble individuals were often played by children to illustrate purity of character, and hence the role of Emperor Tenmu was also performed by a child.)

Learning that Emperor Tenmu had not eaten for days during his flight, the old couple prepare him a meal of edible leaves and roasted kuzu fish (sweetfish) caught in the Yoshino River. Emperor Tenmu returns one half of the roasted fish, upon which it turns back into a live fish, reviving and swimming away when released back into the river by the old man. Soon after, Emperor Tenmu's pursuers arrive, and the couple hurriedly hide him in the bottom of the boat while the old man fools them into leaving and searching elsewhere.

Here, through the quiet of midnight, koto music is heard and a heavenly woman wearing a zo-onna mask (a symbol of cool beauty), a crown and maiginu garment emerges and begins to dance. Lured from his shrine by the music, the Shinto God Zao Gongen appears. Wearing an o-tobide mask with a gold face, large eyes and an open mouth, a red wig, a kariginu coat and hangire trousers, his costume communicates his power as he prophesies Emperor Tenmu's reign.

This Noh play is best enjoyed in early spring while imagining the landscape of Mt. Yoshino, famous for cherry blossoms.