Tightly traditional noh drama is loosening up, with theater groups trying out tablet computers to help baffled audiences understand what's going on.
The devices show the actors' lines and help to explain plot twists in real time.
"Noh groups are trying to get more people interested in the plays ... we thought that tablet devices would be a good tool to spread noh to beginners," said Hiroyuki Shibata, who works for Tokyo-based noh group Kanze Kyukokai.