世阿弥伝書の「足踏」

—その意味をめぐって

抄録

Zeami used the term of “Asibumi” in his writings. This paper aims to make clear what Asibumi meant in Noh performance.

An interpretation of Asibumi is suggested in Karonshu Nohgakuronshu published in 1961. It is said that Asibumi was not a technique to beat a time with a foot, but it was an action for the purpose of walking. This understanding was led by using Japanese-Portuguese dictionary and writings of Zenchiku who was Zeami's son-in-law. However, this paper would discuss following points by examining the writings of Zeami. First, Asibumi is a movement to step in accordance with the rhythm of songs and drums. Then, it seems that Asibumi is not an action of walking during Noh performance. That is to say, it is the actions of foot that represent effective sound and movement on the stage.