kyougen

comic interlude in nou dramas

During the feudal period in Japan several forms of theater were developed and performed, including nou (no), kabuki, and kyougen. Nou and kyougen were fully formed by the late 1300s, originating from Chinese dance/music/drama performances (sangaku) and native Japanese dances (dengaku) that had merged into sarugaku during the Heian period. The third Ashikaga shogun sponsored nou theater, which greatly increased its popularity. The comic kyougen interludes provide relief from the serious nou performances.

Japanese Literature: A Historical Outline
Edward Putzar