Manzo NOMURA (The Sixth) (野村万蔵 (6世))
Manzo NOMURA, the sixth (July 22, 1898 - May 6, 1978) was Nohgakushi (Noh actor), the member of the Japan Art Academy, and the holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).
He was originally from Tokyo Prefecture. He was the eldest son of Manzo NOMURA, the fifth. Tokuro MIYAKE, the ninth was his younger brother. His children were Manzo NOMURA (the seventh)(Man NOMURA), Mansaku NOMURA, Shiro NOMURA (Noh performer), and Mannosuke NOMURA.
He made a debut with the name of Mansaku in 1903. He gave 'Sanbaso' (a dance dedicated to the shrine and performed as a Japanese-styled three dolls, Chitose, Okina and Sanbaso, operated by three doll handlers) in 1911. He graduated from Continuation School in Shitaya Ward, Tokyo City in 1913 and gave 'Tsuri kitsune' (Fox Trapping) on the visit of Emperor Taisho and Empress in 1918. He established 'Yoiya-kai' in 1920. He succeeded to Manzo (万造 in kanji) NOMURA, the sixth and gave 'Hanago'(Visiting Hanago) in 1923. He succeeded to Manzo (万蔵 in kanji) in 1940. He became the board member of the Japan Noh Association in 1948. He established 'Yorozu-kai' in 1952. He was selected as the general holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1957. He received Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts in 1958. He received Hirose Noh play Prize in 1962. He received the National Art Festival Award and became the guest professor at the Center for Asian Arts, University of Washington in 1963. He performed in the United States in 1964. He established 'Nomura Kyogen no kai'(Association of Nomura Kyogen,' joined Venice Biennial, and performed in Berlin in 1965. He was selected as the individual holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, and performed in the United States in 1968. He received Art Encouragement Prize in 1969. He received Award of the Japan Art Academy in 1970. He performed 'Boshibari' in the Imperial Court in 1971. He receive Arts Festival Grand Prize in 1972. He became the member of The Japan Art Academy in 1974. He became Shogoi (Senior Fifth Rank) and received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, after his death.
He was highlighted by his activities with his son Mannojo (the seventh Manzo) and Mansaku under 'the first Kyogen boom' after the war. His style of performance was faithful to the pattern but bohemian and graphic outside the pattern into his old age, so he became highly regarded as the master. Also, he was known as Noh-men uchi (a person who makes Noh masks) and left many Noh masks and Kyogen masks.
His books
Kyogen no michi (Road of Kyogen), published by Wanyashoten in 1955. Manzo NOMURA, The Sixth (The Human Record), published by Nihon Tosho Center in 1999. Kyogen-men (Kyogen masks), published by Wanyashoten in 1956. Natsu ni Waza Fuyu ni Koe (Skill in Summer, Voice in Winter), collection of essay, published by Shinchosha Publishing Co., Ltd. in 1974. Kyogen Geibanashi (Story of Kyogen Performance), published by Wanyashoten in 1981. Nomura Manzo Chosakushu (Writings of Manzo NOMURA), published by Gogatsu-shobo in 1982.