Hata no Kawakatsu

Hata no Kawakatsu, in a book illustration by Kikuchi Yōsai.

Hata no Kawakatsu (秦河勝), sometimes called Hada no Kōkatsu, was a legendary figure in Japanese folklore, who is believed to have introduced ritual Shinto dances to Japan in the sixth century. He is also considered the progenitor of a hereditary line which includes many of Noh's greatest playwrights and actors, such as Hata no Ujiyasu, Zeami and Komparu Mitsutarō.