I attended the INI program in order to provide supplemental research/training for the completion of my thesis project.  Though I had been researching Noh for quite some time prior to this, I did not see it playing a major role in my life moving forward.  Even as I entered Japan this time round, I viewed the upcoming training as a nice excursion from my other interests.  However, through INI, I was able to enter into a world completely unlike the one I was prepared for.

I found myself rubbing shoulders with practitioners of all different backgrounds, including academics, theater artists, professionals and more.  These were entirely different people who shared a passionate devotion to the practice of Noh.  I was deeply moved by the depth of this commitment which was woven into the fabric of each person’s very being.  And I realized that this deep connection to Noh, and to a greater extent Japanese culture, was one that I, too, shared.

My entire life I have loved Japan.  I have dreamt of coming here to experience the essence of Japanese culture.  This is a devotion that I had never been able to adequately share before.  INI provided to me a place of belonging I have been missing for as long as I can remember.

Each day, in lessons, in performance, and in the personal interactions fostered by the INI staff, I felt truly connected to a living community who cares for each other, who supports each other, and who pushes each other forward.  It is an experience I will cherish all my life.  I cannot recommend this program strongly enough to my fellow Japanophiles who search for community, because you will find it here at INI.

I am forever grateful to the Udaka family and Diego Pellecchia for the community they have fostered, and for the experience they provided to all of us students.

(Christopher Ellars)