First Bunraku Experience

Program poster at the Theater

An earthquake with an intensity of six lower hit Osaka this morning around 8 am. I hope the damages won't be great. Let's be kind to each other to stay positive.

Do you know Bunraku?

Bunraku is a Japanese traditional puppet play designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2003.

Last week, I went to the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka to see an event for adult Bunraku beginners.

In the first part, a rakugo story teller, Katsura Kaishi, led guests to explore basics: narrative, shamisen music, puppets and puppeteers.

The latter part was a play  絵本太功記 尼崎の段 夕顔棚の段  (Ehon-taikoki  Amagasaki-no-dan & Yugaodana-no-dan).

This play was first performed in 1799. It was a story about a samurai who killed his lord. He was strongly blamed by his mother who hoped to lighten his son's sin. The samurai had a son who was severely injured in the battle where he tried to help his father. The samurai finally accepted this family's devotion.

Although I couldn't understand the narrative fully, I could follow the story thanks to a manga in the program booklet. The puppets are larger and more active than I thought. Puppeteers stomped their feet to energize dolls' moves when needed.

I think Bunraku is unique in two points. First, puppet shows are usually for children but Bunraku is for adults. Second, puppets are humanized which seems to be the root of Japanese anime and manga. In this sense, dolls are more like characters.

To me, it is amazing to be able to enjoy a play which attracted people in the 18th century. My first Bunraku experience made me realize the power of culture.

The National Bunraku Theater offers events for foreigners. If you are interested, it is worth checking them out!