The roof of Kinkakuji Temple is covered with snow and is reminiscent of Noh’s “Okina”.  “Okina” is said to be “Noh and not Noh”, and it is one of the most exceptional songs in Noh.  It doesn’t belong to any category and there is nothing telling a story.  It is a sacred ritual, and the performer becomes a god and dances to pray for Tenka-Taihei (All the world is at Peace) and Kokudo-Annon ( peace of the land).  Since it is often performed during celebrations, it is currently the most performed on New Year’s Day.  Kinkakuji Temple changes its appearance every season, but the gray-haired Kinkakuji is dignified, and the figure that does not move and dances “Okina” gives us courage.

屋根が雪で白く覆われた金閣寺は能の「翁」を連想させます。「翁」は、「能にして能にあらず」と言われ、能の中でもまさに格別の一曲です。どのカテゴリーにも属さず、物語めいたものはありません。神聖な儀式であり、演者は神となって天下泰平、国土安穏を祈願して舞います。祝い事に際して上演されることも多いため、現在ではお正月に最も多く公演が組まれています。四季折々に姿を変える金閣寺ですが、白髪姿の金閣寺は凛々しく、動かず「翁」を舞う姿は私たちに勇気を与えます。