bunraku

Bunraku, also known as ningyō jōruri, is a form of Japanese puppet theatre in which large puppets are manipulated by three puppeteers, accompanied by a narrator (tayū) and a shamisen player. It originated in Osaka in the 17th century and developed into one of Japan's most respected traditional performing arts.

The term ningyō jōruri refers to both the puppets (ningyō) and the narrative singing (jōruri) that accompanies the action. The plays combine intricate puppetry, sung dialogue, and instrumental music, typically rooted in historical events and domestic dramas. The art form was refined by dramatists such as Chikamatsu Monzaemon in the late Edo period, whose works became central to the repertoire.

A puppet is operated by three puppeteers: the lead puppeteer (often called the omo-te) controls the head and right hand; a second puppeteer (hidari-te) handles the left hand; a third puppeteer (ashi-te) manages the legs and lower body. The puppeteers wear black robes to suppress visibility, while a separate group of stagehands in black, known as kuroko, assist offstage. The tayū provides the narration and character voices, while the shamisen accompanies with melodic and rhythmic support. Puppets are often large and capable of expressive movement to convey emotion.

Repertoire is dominated by tragic and historical drama, with many works by Chikamatsu and other playwrights. Performances are presented in dedicated theatres and touring programs in Japan, maintaining a continuing tradition that emphasizes collaboration among puppeteers, chanters, and musicians.