the iconic masks represent specific roles such as ghosts, women, deities, and demons. Having a strong emphasis on tradition rather than innovation, Noh is highly codified and regulated by the iemoto system.

Although the terms Noh and nogaku are sometimes used interchangeably, nogaku encompasses both Noh and kyogen. Traditionally, a full nogaku program included several Noh plays with comedic kyogen plays in between; an abbreviated program of