What is Bunraku?

BunrakuThis is a Japanese form of puppet theater used to depict Japanese culture.It is the most developed puppetry in the world.Considered a serious art form~not as entertainment for children.

It is a narrative chanting and a shamisen instrument is used to accompany the bunraku.

It is the most representative form of public theater.

Originated in the 17th century.

It is a form of Japanese drama.

It is referred to as a Double Triangle (Sangyo)- Which means a triangle within a triangle. (See triangle on board)

The Double TriangleOne triangle is considered because there are three puppeteers per puppet.The other triangle is because in the show there are the puppet, the singer, and shamisen player.Originally there was only one puppeteer.In Japan the bunraku is known as ningyo-joruri which means puppets-storytelling

History of Bunraku

Japanese culture claims that a puppet troupe from Osaka had come to Shikoku, an island, and snow had trapped them there for several weeks in the 1830’s. Thus, when they could leave they left several puppets behind so the idea culturally assimilated.

Bunraku is about 400 years old.It became an important part of their folk culture which is important considering in Japan your rights to teach your art are determined by your hierarchy standing.

History Continued

Bunraku flourished because the merchant class wanted and looked for entertainment.

Gidaya is the most famous of all bunraku narrators or writers.

The Puppets

These puppets have no strings.

In early days the puppeteers were hidden behind a curtain, but that changed.

These puppets are large~ about half life size.

The puppets are operated by three puppeteers.

Puppet is called a gyonin.

Eyes, eyebrows, mouths, hands, and arms can move.

Hips are made of bamboo.

Puppets Continued

Arms and legs are attached by only one string.

Shoulders are padded with dried gourd fiber

Can roll eyes and make fingers into a fist.

These puppets are more sophisticated than European puppets.

PuppeteersMuch skill and talent is needed to operate these puppets.Only the main puppeteer is visible throughout the play while the other two are covered in black outfits. (They must remain invisible to the audience.)

The least talented (ashidzukai) controls the feet. If the puppet is female, then this puppeteer controls the skirt movements because female puppets don’t have legs. Female puppets wear tradition Japanese dress known as a kimono.

The Second and Last Puppeteer

The second most experienced puppeteer

(hiraridzukai) controls the left hand and helps the main puppeteer.

The last and most experienced puppeteer

(dedzukai) controls the right hand and head.

Other Important PeopleNext to puppeteers comes the tayo or joruri known to us as the performer. He is the storyteller and singer. He is also the narrator who recites the story in a mixture of chanting and emotional telling. They must have a strong voice and be able to get emotions across to the audience.The songs are sung using a breathing technique which involves inhaling from the belly not the chest because the length of a performance makes them need more breath.

Last Part of Double TriangleThe last part of the triangle is the shamisen player.

A shamisen is an ancient Japanese guitar-like instrument with only three strings.It can be used to create both sound effects and meditative music.Originally a Japanese lute was used.

Plays

Many bunraku plays are historical and deal with the common Japanes theme of girl and ninjo.

Another common theme deals with the external conflict that exists between social obligations and human emotions.One of the most famous plays Keisei Awa no Naruto is about a sumari, who has taken it upon himself to find his master’s lost sword. He and his wife go in search of the sword so they must leave their infant daughter in the care of her grandmother for her own safety. He joins a band of thieves to allow himself

Play Continued

Access to where the sword might be. He searches for ten years with no luck.Plays were used in a formal context in religious ritual at shrines and temples.Dealt with tales of heroism and tragedy, typical elements of dramas.Also dealt with legends of the history of warfare.

Tradition

Bunraku is passed down from father to eldest son.Must go through ten year apprenticeship.Long ago women were not allowed to participate, for Japanese authorities questioned women’s morals so they did not want women’s influence on their plays.

The Tradition of TodayNow women can perform in the plays as puppeteers. The government in Japan now funds bunraku.The government opened the National Theater in Tokyo. This was important because before this, the puppeteers had to be traveling puppeteers; whereas, now they have a permanent place to perform.In 1985, National Bunraku Theater opened in Osaka, the original home of bunraku.