What is this? › Performing arts & ways (dō)

文楽Bunraku (puppet theatre)

Bunraku (puppet theatre)
Ellywa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bunraku (文楽; Japanese pronunciation:) is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre, founded in Osaka in the beginning of the 17th century, which is still performed in the modern day. Three kinds of performers take part in a bunraku performance: the Ningyōtsukai or Ningyōzukai (puppeteers), the tayū (chanters), and shamisen musicians. Occasionally other instruments such as taiko drums will be used.

The combination of chanting and shamisen playing is called jōruri and the Japanese word for puppet (or dolls, generally) is ningyō. It is used in many plays.

Text from Wikipedia: Bunraku — CC BY-SA 4.0. Read more on Wikipedia →

Japan Tourism Agency explanations

旅Try it yourself: Bunraku (puppet theatre)

Live prices and reviews from GetYourGuide. Many tours can be cancelled for free — check each listing.

Ad: we may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

券
Japan Rail Pass & regional passes

Compare whether a rail pass saves money on your route before you buy tickets.

Check prices →

Japan eSIM / mobile data

Ad: we may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

問Questions visitors ask

What is Bunraku (puppet theatre)?

Bunraku (文楽; Japanese pronunciation: [bɯꜜn.

芸Performing arts & ways (dō)

撮Standing in front of one?
Open the scanner and compare →