Bunraku, or ningyo joruri bunraku as it’s officially known, is Japan’s traditional form of puppet theatre. Developed by townsfolk during the Edo period (1603–1867), it assumed its modern form in Osaka in the early nineteenth century and remains closely associated with the city. Osaka’s status as the home of bunraku was confirmed with the establishment of the National Bunraku Theatre in 1984. Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, the minimalist building encompasses two halls, with the larger usually hosting bunraku and performances of traditional music while the smaller is used for e.g. rakugo (traditional storytelling).
The performances aimed at first-timers and visitors who don’t understand Japanese are a great way to get an introduction to the art form. The puppets used in bunraku are a half to two-thirds human size and require great skill and strength to operate. Each puppet is manipulated by two assistants and one chief puppeteer. Becoming a master puppeteer is a lengthy process, beginning with ten years spent operating the legs, followed by another ten on the left arm before being permitted to work the right arm, head and eyebrows.
Four main elements comprise a bunraku performance: the puppets themselves; the movements they make; the vocal delivery of the tayu, who chants the narrative and speaks the lines for every character, changing his voice to suit the role; and the solo accompaniment by the three-stringed, lute-like shamisen.