Bunraku: A Japanese Puppet Theatre
Have you ever wondered how the Japanese produced entertainment back in the 16th century? One of them used to be in the form of Bunraku- a Japanese puppet theatre, which is still performed in the modern day. It’s fascinating to see the amount of effort that goes into each play by the people involved, three kinds of performers take part in a bunraku performance: the puppeteers, chanters and musicians.
As you might have noticed in the picture above, the puppeteers are actually covered in black clothes from head to toe (Kuroko), this was done in order to focus attention purely on the play rather than the puppeteers.
The specialty of Bunraku is the technique known as sannin-zukai (three puppeteers) in which a single puppet is manipulated by three puppeteers (the puppet can be from 140cm to 150 cm long and weigh anywhere over 10kgs). Another highlight would be the elements of the actual puppet, where it was made to change its facial features from neutral to demonic expressions.
Now, how does Bunraku actually play a part in reflecting the Japanese culture? The plays that have been done are based on the codes and legends of the culture, which mostly involves aristocrats and samurai warriors. Bunraku also tends to themes center on the conflict between human emotions and obligations to society – Giri and Ninjo.
The art of Bunraku is endangered as the coming generation are not willing to spend their time on learning the skills and techniques required. “As a means to preserve the Japanese culture, Bunraku companies, performers, and puppet makers are some of Japan ’s Living National Treasures.” — KCP International, Japanese language school. This article was made in the hopes of informing people that such an impressive and expressive form of art exists since the beginning of Edo period of 16th century in Osaka, Japan.
