Bunraku is a traditional Japanese puppet theatre that uses life-sized puppets with narrative chanting and shamisen music, a traditional Japanese string instrument. These plays are based on past centuries’ tales or legends with themes that conflict between social obligations and human emotions. The puppets are the most unusual in the world due to the intricate craving and the detailed clothing. Each show of Bunraku is around 3-4 hours. It was most popular during the 18th century since Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s writing made it well-known and well-liked. However, after Chikamatsu’s passing, Bunraku became less and less known. But Bunraku was revived during the 19th century by puppeteer Uemura Bunrakuken. As a result, the Bunraku Association was formed, an organization that presents Bunraku performance. Three puppeteers are needed to control each main character, a Bunraku puppet. The narrative and shamisen players do not see the stage during the play.
Using puppets instead of real people shows us that theatre is more than just being performed by real people. Bunraku puppets can also tell a story and perform on stage. Like the actors, the puppeteer spends his entire life learning Bunraku to perfect it. The puppets can show different emotions in different moods and scenes. With puppets, you can add more characteristics to your play, and it is cheaper to set up since you want the audience to focus on the puppets. Music and narration can portray the play’s mood and emotions and create tension.
Title: Bunraku
Creator of artifact: Uemura Bunrakuken
Copyrights: Bunraku Association
Rights holder: Bunraku Association
