Ever heard of puppets performing serious adult dramas? That’s Bunraku. Right here stands the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka. It is one of the few places where you can witness this fascinating traditional art form.
Osaka has been the heart of Bunraku for centuries. This traditional Japanese puppet theater thrived during the Edo Period. From 1603 to 1868, it offered rare entertainment to the common public. Unlike entertainment reserved for the nobility, Bunraku was for everyone.
The National Bunraku Theater opened in 1984. It became the headquarters for Bunraku. The theater has two halls. The Large Theater can seat around 700 people. It primarily hosts Bunraku performances, as well as Buyo and stage plays. The Small Hall features other traditional arts. These include rakugo, manzai, and Japanese music.
Bunraku is also known as Ningyo joruri. Ningyo means puppet. Joruri is a form of chanted narration. The name Bunraku comes from Uemura Bunrakuken. He founded a puppet troupe in the early 19th century.
Takemoto Gidaya introduced the earliest form of Bunraku in 1684. He established his own theater in Osaka. Chikamatsu Monzaemon assisted him. He is considered the greatest playwright in Japanese history. Takeda Izumo also helped. He was a famous theater owner and manager. Gidayu and Chikamatsu provided the art. Takeda Izumo funded the theater.
Performances at the National Bunraku Theater typically last three to four hours. They are usually held in three-week runs. You can catch them in January, April, June, July/August, and November. English programs and earphones are available for those who don’t speak Japanese.
Three puppeteers work together to bring each puppet to life. The main puppeteer is called the omozukai. This puppeteer controls the puppet’s right hand and head. Another puppeteer moves the left hand. A third puppeteer operates the feet and legs. It takes years of training to master these skills. Some puppeteers spend ten years on the feet. Ten years on the left hand. And ten years on the head of secondary characters.
The tayu, or narrator, chants the story. The shamisen player provides the music. Traditional Japanese language is used for narration. Subtitles in modern Japanese are displayed during the play. The tayu and shamisen player are constant companions. The tayu tells the story. The shamisen player conveys the emotion.
Bunraku puppets range from two to four feet tall. The heads and hands are carved by specialists. The bodies are constructed by puppeteers. The costumes are elaborate and intricate. Some puppet heads have mechanical features. They can quickly transform into demons. Less complex heads have moving eyes, noses, mouths, and eyebrows.
The National Bunraku Theater preserves and promotes this unique art form. It is a place where tradition comes alive. A visit here offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. It is an experience you won’t soon forget.