Who discovered the Japanese word noh?

The term "noh" itself doesn't refer to a discovery, but rather to a form of Japanese musical drama. It's believed to have evolved over centuries, with origins in the 14th century.

While there isn't a single "discoverer" of Noh, Zeami (1363-1443) is widely considered the most influential figure in its development. He was a playwright, actor, and theorist who refined the form, wrote numerous Noh plays, and established principles for performance and aesthetics. He is often referred to as the "father of Noh."

However, Noh's origins are rooted in earlier forms of Japanese theatrical performance, such as Sarugaku, which was popular among the aristocracy. The gradual evolution from Sarugaku to Noh involved contributions from various artists and performers.

So, while Zeami played a pivotal role, Noh's development was a collective effort over time, making it difficult to attribute its "discovery" to a single individual.