Kyogen is clasical Japanese comic theater and, like Noh, was established in the Muromachi Period(1392-1573) by the father and son pair, Kan’ami and Zeami. At first, Kyogen plays were performed in the intervals between Noh plays, but now they are staged independently and sometimes Kyogen actors take roles in Noh plays. Compared to Noh, Kyogen has mass appeal. Masks are only used in a few roles, and no makeup is put on. Except for the special roles of deities and ogres, the costumes are the daily clothing worn in the fifteenth century.

Kyogen plots have an affirmative human spirit and do not draw thieves and the like as truly wicked people. In addition, in contrast to Noh which centers on chanting and dance, Kyogen’s outstanding characteristic is the spoken lines accompanied by dramatic movement.