Noriko Noro

Noriko “Kaihime” Noro is well known for her stunning and convincing performances at renaissance faires across Japan. Having taken the name Kaihime, inspired by the warrior woman from Japanese folklore, Noriko Noro has inspired countless children and adults throughout the nation. She is the modern day knight, archetypal and strong in her every motion. She is notable for her skills including (but not limited to): jousting, dressage, swordplay, riddle solving, and improvisational acting. Her ability to never break character, especially when dealing with children, has won her the hearts of every renaissance fan around. 

More impressive, perhaps, than her incredible acting ability is the fact that she is the only Japanese renaissance performer who can claim to be the real-life version of her role. Noriko Noro has not only dedicated her life to chivalry and all things knightly; she was properly knighted by a small, relatively unknown religion called “The Faith of Two” at age 16.

In interviews, she has claimed that she works to inspire faith–any faith–in every audience she performs for. She has been quoted, saying, “I don’t care if the only faith I inspire in you is the faith that knights are still there, and here to protect you. That is plenty for me, gods or no gods.” Her frank speech regarding her religion has won her popularity with both secular and non-secular groups, each praising her for her ability to speak clearly and without intention to convert or degrade any religion.

Her emphasis on inspiration has no doubt stemmed from her troubled youth. Noriko Noro has been hesitant to talk about her past, but with the intention of shedding light on her life and in the hopes of encouraging children from similar situations, she opened up about her life in the welfare system, going from foster home to foster home her entire life. She talked at length about how her faith allowed her to find a true family she could pledge fealty to, and how important a found family is.

Her greatest mentor, she has said, is the costume designer who gave her her first set of armor. Nori Nishiyama is credited with Noriko Noro’s rise to fame, and said to be better than a mother to the young knight. Noriko inspires the belief that anyone can find a family, even if their true family isn’t there anymore–a slightly controversial belief in Japan.

Her popularity and controversy has made her the darling of historical reenactment and family groups, and a topic of much discussion. It is no doubt this, in addition to the fact that her name listed on a performer’s list is enough to improve ticket sales by a full 50%, that lead to Hope’s Peak Academy choosing her to be among their ranks.