Masakuni Asami, a Noh performer who focused on "returning songs" to revive the performances that had been interrupted, died in Tokyo on July 13.
I was 80 years old.
Born in Tokyo, Mr. Asami took the first stage at the age of four, and at the age of 16, he was the first to play the leading role in the performance "Atsumori".
In addition to classical performances, he also worked on "returning songs" to revive previously interrupted performances, and for many years he worked hard to develop Nogaku as a leading figure in the Kanze school.
In recognition of these achievements, he received the Purple Ribbon Medal in 2005 and the Order of the Rising Sun Small Ribbon in 2011.
In addition, he has performed numerous overseas performances, and in 2018 he was awarded the "Chevalier" of the Order of Arts and Culture by the French government.
According to his family, Mr. Asami has been ill since last year and has continued to receive medical treatment, and died at his home in Tokyo on July 13.
I was 80 years old.