THE JAPAN NEWS

 

This spring’s newly hired employees of a major Japanese trading house experienced a one-day training session for traditional noh at an authoritative stage in Japan on Wednesday.

The session was held by Marubeni Corp., aiming to have the freshmen who joined the company this month get inspiration from the Japanese traditional stage art, prior to starting their careers late in the month.

The company, which has 131 branches and offices in 67 economies around the globe, welcomed about 160 new graduate staff members to its office. As one of its start-up training programs for newcomers, the trading company thought it was important for the rookies to experience traditional arts of Japan on a real stage, before they set off for overseas businesses such as resource exploration and power projects, encouraging them to introduce Japanese culture to their business counterparts abroad.

At the National Noh Theatre in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, professional performers taught the young people noh movements such as expressing emotions by using arm movements. Ten selected members went onto the stage and tried walking noh style, moving their bodies without making the sound of footsteps.

“We employees are working all around the world and meeting various kinds of people in business situations, so we hope young members will be able to talk about Japanese culture through their experiences and words,” said Keiichi Agata, a deputy general manager at the company’s human resources department.

The company’s rookies will also experience zazen meditation in the training programs this month.
 
By Shinichi Ikeda / Japan News Staff Writer