Awa Ningyo Joruri is a distinct regional tradition of bunraku puppet theatre that flourished in Tokushima during the Edo period and is now recognised as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The Jurobe Yashiki theatre, a reconstructed 18th-century merchant estate, stages regular performances by the Awa Jurobe Yashiki Preservation Society using life-size puppets manipulated by three puppeteers each. The emotionally powerful plays — often tragic romances — are accompanied by shamisen and gidayu chanting. Backstage tours allow visitors to try operating a puppet themselves.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Culture
- Season
- Year-round
- Month
- Year-round (performances Saturday, Sunday & holidays)
- Region
- Shikoku
- Prefecture
- Tokushima
- City
- Tokushima City
Highlights
- ◆UNESCO-adjacent ningyo joruri bunraku puppet performances
- ◆Reconstructed Edo-period merchant estate setting
- ◆Three-person puppeteer technique with life-size dolls
- ◆Hands-on puppet operation experience available
- ◆Weekend and holiday regular performance schedule