1. Bunraku Puppet theater used to depict Japanese culture
The most developed puppetry in the world
Considered a serious art form (not kids’ entertainment)

2. History About 400 years old (began in 17th century)
Became an important part of folk culture
Women not originally allowed; women’s morals were considered questionable
In 1985, National Bunraku Theater opened in Osaka, the original home of bunraku

3. Characteristics
Bunraku is referred to as a Double Triangle (Sangyo)- Which means a triangle within a triangle.

4. The Double Triangle One triangle: 3 puppeteers
2nd triangle: the puppet, the singer, and shamisen player

5. The Puppets Have no strings Large~ about half life size
Eyes, eyebrows, mouths, hands, and arms can move. Can roll eyes and make fingers into a fist.

6. The Puppeteers Much skill and talent is needed to operate
Only the main puppeteer is visible throughout the play (the other two covered in black)
The least talented: the feet.
If the puppet is female, puppeteer controls the skirt movements because female puppets don’t have legs
The second most experienced puppeteer: the left hand and helps the main puppeteer
The last and most experienced puppeteer: the right hand and head

7. Tradition of Puppeteering
Bunraku is passed down from father to eldest son
Must go through ten year apprenticeship per part of the puppet

8. Other Important People
The tayo or joruri 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 breathe from diaphragm to be able to get emotions across to the audience

9. Last Part of Double Triangle
The shamisen player
A shamisen is an ancient Japanese guitar-like instrument with only three strings
Used to create both sound effects and meditative music

10. The Plays
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.

11. More Info https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qcBSAwQVpw