National Bunraku Theatre

"The National Bunraku Theatre of Japan is a UNESCO-designated World Intangible Heritage and a representative traditional performing art that seamlessly combines narrative recitation, shamisen music, and puppetry. Originating in the seventeenth century as "ningyo joruri," a fusion of older puppet shows and medieval narratives, bunraku reached its pinnacle during the golden age of the Takemoto Theatre in Osaka in 1684. The narrator (Tayu) and shamisen player play twin roles, each contributing to the artistry of the dramatic narrative in perfect unison, with breath control techniques. The gidayu-bushi style of epic balladry, performed by the narrator, involves setting scenes, providing story background, and bringing characters to life. The libretto, or Yukahon, is a cherished script for the narrator, handwritten and containing one scene per book. The bunraku shamisen, with its broad size and rich tone, harmonizes with the narrator to express the passion of the drama, using thicker strings and a larger plectrum. This unique art form captures the full spectrum of human emotion and remains an integral part of Japan's cultural heritage."