My name is Renata Asato, and I am a Brazilian actress and researcher of traditional Japanese performing arts. Over ten years of studying Noh Theatre with an amateur group in Brazil, I learned just one shimai. In 2024, I came to Kyoto to study with Tatsushige sensei and learned one more shimai over three months. Twelve years of study, two shimai. What surprised me most about the INI Intensive Program was learning three shimai in just two weeks, in addition to utai. It was truly intense! Looking back, I feel deeply grateful. If our teachers challenged us, they trusted us.

This year, INI brought together participants from Albania, Brazil, China, Portugal, and the U.S., alongside the precious contributions of Monique sensei and Diego sensei from Italy. We were also fortunate to learn from Tatsushige sensei, Norishige sensei, and Keiko sensei from Japan. It is wonderful that INI opens its doors to people from all over the world, allowing them to encounter Noh Theatre.

Taking part in the Kei’un-kai recital was both a great challenge and a huge honor. What moved me most was seeing the women of the jiutai, the female chorus, with women of different generations united through their voices. What made it even more special was that the recital was a tribute to Udaka Michishige sensei. I can only imagine how proud he must have felt.

I encourage anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of Noh Theatre to take part in the INI Intensive Program. A seed can grow into a tree, bearing countless fruits and new seeds that spread across the world. I thank the Udaka family for nurturing a tree that has spread the seeds of Noh Theatre for forty years — and counting! Receiving one of these seeds is an extraordinary gift. May we plant them with care wherever we go.

Otsukaresama deshita! Dōmo arigatō gozaimashita!

Renata Asato 安里 ヘナタ

Photo: Udaka Sanami