• A0D06 – Ningyo Joruri Bunraku (Puppet Theater)
06-000
中央区 マスコットキャラクター ゆめまるくん
  • Ningyo Joruri Bunraku: A proud traditional performing art of Osaka
The origins of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku date back to the early Edo period (1603-1867). In those days it was called “Ayatsuri Joruri”. The Takemotoza theater was founded by Takemoto Gidayu in the year 1684. His Gidayu-bushi (narrative music) and performance of Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki) were big hits, and in the years that followed several Ningyo Joruri theaters’ popularity waxed and waned. At the end of the Edo period, a theater started by Uemura Bunrakuken rose in popularity and became a central figure in the Ningyo Joruri scene. It is said that his name, Bunraku, became synonymous with Ningyo Joruri. Ningyo Joruri Bunraku was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. The National Bunraku Theatre, designed by noted architect Kisho Kurokawa, opened its doors in 1984. In addition to Ningyo Joruri Bunraku, it also holds Japanese dance, Kamigata performing arts, and other performances.
地図をみる
コラムをよむ
06-010
  • Ningyo Joruri Bunraku
Joruri is a Japanese traditional performing art in which a Dayu tells a story accompanied by a shamisen. Ningyo Joruri is a puppetry performance where puppets are manipulated in rhythm with the Joruri.
06-020
  • Takemotoza Monument
In 2013, a large panel displaying a portrait of Takemoto Gidayu was installed near the site of the Takemotoza Monument in Dotombori.
06-030
  • Performance at the National Bunraku Theatre
From the Osaka Museum of History Photo Library <1982>
06-040
  • Performance at Bunrakuza
Performance of Bungoro and Eiza From the Osaka Museum of History Photo Library <1938>
06-050
  • Goryo Bunrakuza at Goryo Shrine
Performance at Goryo Bunrakuza theater on the grounds of the shrine between 1884 and 1926. In 1956, the theater was moved and changed its name to Dotombori Bunrakuza (Asahiza).
06-060
  • Chikuho Koji
In the early 18th century, Toyotakeza formed after breaking off and becoming independent from Takemotoza. This led to fierce competition between the east and west sides of Dotombori as the two theaters sought new ways to outdo each other, resulting in increasing popularity of Ningyo Joruri.
人形浄瑠璃文楽
  • National Bunraku Theatre
  • Column

At the National Bunraku Theatre, the puppets are disassembled into head, torso, limbs, and costume parts after performances. The kashira (puppet head) staff touches up its makeup, while the tokoyama (puppet hair designer) staff re-styles its hair. Then the puppeteer attaches its limbs and puts its costume on.
There are many Bunraku lectures and performances held that even children and newcomers to Bunraku can enjoy.
Try it for yourself and see!

中央区 マスコットキャラクター ゆめまるくん
中央区 マスコットキャラクター ゆめまるくん
PANEL #A0D01