Noh combined the Kabuongyoku music of the Nara and Heian periods, loved by ordinary people, and dancing rites offered to the gods, firmly establishing itself in the Kamakura and Muromachi eras. In the Muromachi era, it was influenced by popular arts, Zen Buddhism and ink-wash painting, and has been refined through the ages through the patronage of the shogunate and aristocracy.

Kyogen is a spoken theatrical form centered on conversation. Without using any flamboyant stage setups, everything is expressed through words and gesture.
One of its key features is humor. Based on the everyday lives and tales of ordinary people in the middle ages, it cuts sharply into the heart of human habits and nature, finding broad laughter and humor.

The one and only Edojoruri (Edo period narrative music). Considered to be created by Satsumanojo Fujimatsu in 1745.Group suicide stories were common, "nakigatari" (crying while proclaming) and calling out sadly in a melody gathered masses of people.Playing shamisen while walking around the city and inviting spectators for a "nagashi" (procession) became famous.Also featured in Kabuki and historical plays.