Noh, the Japanese theater form, is renowned for its highly stylized use of masks, elaborate costumes, literary and religious context, and difficult narratives. It's also known for its incredibly long performances — traditionally taking up an entire day.
Kyogen, short comic or satirical plays, served the purpose of breaking up those lengthy shows. And, like Shakespeare's comic relief skits in tragedies, they also added some levity.
Both kyogen and noh developed from sarugaku, a popular performing art of the Yamato region during the 11th century. Though still stylized in rendition, kyogen were realistic in content and often poked fun at the lower classes of Japan, including low-ranking warriors. By the 15th century, when master noh writer Zeami had perfected his plays, kyogen were regularly performed as intermission breaks to noh performances. Kyogen actors had also begun to participate in noh plays as ai (interpreters).