Three Principles of Noh

Twenty years ago, I arrived in Tokyo, bubbling with excitement and ready for an adventure that would change my life. On the way to my apartment, somewhat overwhelmed and jetlagged, I fell asleep on the bus after a long flight.

I woke up to a sea of Asian hieroglyphics and a kaleidoscope of billboards and busy streets. This made me giddy with excitement. The smile that spread from ear to ear was uncontrollable. Quickly, the swirling rabbit hole of Tokyo City began to pull me under. I had finally arrived. 

This was my first visit to Japan and the culmination of a long application process for this special theatre fellowship. I was ecstatic to have been selected, and this marked the first day of an eight-month journey into the underbelly of the world of Japanese theatre. 

One of the amazing opportunities of this fellowship was to study and practice the oldest form of theatre in the world: Noh Theatre. It is an otherworldly, strange theatre form that has been remarkably codified and preserved for over 600 years.

Despite its ancient roots, Noh felt surprisingly avant-garde, with philosophical underpinnings that resonate deeply with contemporary ideas. The principles I discovered often inform my creative approaches in my work to this day. Here are three that continue to guide my leadership journey and might inspire yours too: 

🎭 Economy of Movement

Noh teaches performers to "feel 10 and show 7." This concept of restrained intensity is about holding back just enough to generate anticipation for the next moment. It’s about control and not about showing everything all at once. It's about patience and allowing the intention to simmer under your skin a little longer. This creates magnetism and gravitas. There’s power in holding back a little, both in life and work. Let things marinate, build, and mature. Don’t give it all away at once.

🎭 Jo-Ha-Kyu

Jo-Ha-Kyu is all about pacing and rhythm: beginning (Jo), break (Ha), and rapid climax (Kyu). It's the natural rhythm of storytelling, creativity, and life. Start slow, build momentum, and finish with impact. This principle has taught me to be curious with beginnings, intentional with transitions, and to trust the process enough to follow through. Whether I’m crafting a story, designing a project, or facing challenges, Jo-Ha-Kyu invites me to find a rhythm in the process.

🎭 The Power of Ma

In Noh, stillness is everything. This is exemplified by the concept of ma, which permeates throughout Japanese culture. A performer’s ability to pause and simply be can create moments of pure magic. It’s not about doing less but about being fully present in those pauses. Silence and stillness are just as powerful as words or actions, often even more so.

These principles aren’t just for the stage; they’re for life. They continue to teach me to slow down, be intentional when speeding up, and trust the process.

How do you incorporate rhythm, stillness, or restraint into your creative work?