This paper takes the form of a detailed report discussing the development, rehearsal and presentation of a short English language "Noh"-style play performed by Japanese university students in 2018-2019. It shares students' perceptions in response to the flow of rehearsals and performances, which were documented with ethnomusicological fieldwork methods. Music and drama are increasingly recognized internationally as effective vehicles for language education and in this case the aspiration to master 'a tool of global communication' is coupled with local sensibility and an important Japanese heritage tradition. Contemporary cyber-culture immersed Japanese youth sometimes express little interest in traditions such as "Noh". This project prompted a greater appreciation of traditional Japanese culture amongst such students. The benefits of regular practice of the declamatory speech that is basic to "Noh" chanting was also found to be particularly beneficial to students' confidence with spoken English.