Yōji Sakate series. In 2010, these adapted plays were collected into "The Contemporary Nō Collection" (現代能楽集 "Gendai nōgakushū"). Although Chekhov and Ibsen were not part of the "nō" style, Sakate took these works and created them to fit the general view of "nō" and also making unique adaptations to create his own style. Plays of Chekhov he translated include "The Seagull", "Uncle Vanya", "The Cherry Orchard", and "Three Sisters". Through his plays, Sakate challenges a plethora of contemporary issues such as social and political issues, censorship, and sexuality. In "Epitaph for the Whales" (くじらの墓標 "Kujira no bohyō", 1993), he presents the issues
Uncle Vanya his life feels empty. As Vanya agonizes over his past, Astrov returns, somewhat drunk, and the two talk together. Sonya chides Vanya for his drinking, and responds pragmatically to his reflections on the futility of a wasted life, pointing out that only work is truly fulfilling. Outside, a storm is gathering and Astrov talks with Sonya about the suffocating atmosphere in the house; Astrov says Serebryakov is difficult, Vanya is a hypochondriac, and Yelena is charming but idle. He laments that it’s a long time since he loved anyone. Sonya begs Astrov to stop drinking, telling him it is unworthy