Born in 1965, Manzo Nomura is the 9th head of the Manzo Nomura family of the Izumi School of kyogen, which has a history of around 300 years. He focuses not only on carrying on the classics, but also on reproductions of other historical kyogen pieces, as well as the creation of new work. Whether producing and directing Gendai Kyogen, a fusion of kyogen and stand-up comedy with Kiyotaka Nanbara, or launching "Tachiai Kyogen-kai," which is aimed at youth training and exchange between the Okura School and the Izumi School, Nomura is committed to developing and promoting the next generation of the Nogaku world. He also directs and performs in Daidengaku, a reproduction of the medieval performance art dengaku. Nomura is an instructor at Tokyo University of the Arts, J.F. Oberlin University, and Seinenza Theater Laboratory, and serves as secretary of Izumi-ryu Shokubunkai. He has been designated as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property. His father, Man Nomura, is recognized as a Living National Treasure of Japan.