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Published online 8 November 2000 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news001109-8

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Noh subtlety for the British

Traditional Japanese drama demonstrates how cultural background influences the way we read emotions, reports Henry Gee.

The full-face masks worn by actors in a traditional Japanese Noh drama are rigid and lifeless. They appear to come to life and change expression when worn by a skilled player.

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