bunraku

Visible puppeteers in Japanese bunraku are rendered invisible by their art and our willingness to accept puppets living in "a world in which being manipulated is itself a condition of paradoxical freedom."

NYT > Home Page By JOHN ROCKWELL 2011

Visible puppeteers in Japanese bunraku are rendered invisible by their art and our willingness to accept puppets living in "a world in which being manipulated is itself a condition of paradoxical freedom."

NYT > Home Page By JOHN ROCKWELL 2011

The term "bunraku" originally referred specifically to the puppet tradition of Osaka, but now the word is used more generally in Japan to describe the three-man form of puppet manipulation.

Knox 2008

As if the harrowing play weren't strong enough on its own, he not only adds multiple jazz interludes with a piano-and-horn trio and several singers, he also swamps it in Japanese theatrical techniques: Black-garbed stagehands move furniture and dispense props as in bunraku marionette theater.

French 'Streetcar' Takes a Detour Via Japan Judy Fayard 2011

The shamisen usually is heard playing traditional Japanese folk songs, and as accompaniment for kabuki and bunraku theater.

Gil Asakawa: Monsters of Shamisen Rock in Colorado Concert Gil Asakawa 2011

The shamisen usually is heard playing traditional Japanese folk songs, and as accompaniment for kabuki and bunraku theater.

Gil Asakawa: Monsters of Shamisen Rock in Colorado Concert Gil Asakawa 2011

Many bunraku fan sites, such as the blogs Mannaka Na Hibi (kayabatyou. blog11.fc2.com) and Yoshida Tamame San Ouen (tamamefun. seesaa.net), are linked to sites of reciters, puppeteers and even samisen players.

Puppet Love Aika Nanao 2009

The Web site of Toyotake Sakihodayu, a 34-year-old popular bunraku reciter, shows maps of theaters in Osaka and Tokyo where you can pick a seat and make a reservation.

Puppet Love Aika Nanao 2009

"The sole fact that I can spot the problems of a patriarchal society when watching bunraku is proof that I am experiencing the same problems today, and that I am not free from them," says Ms. Miura, who has written a bestselling novel about the backstage world of bunraku and a guidebook for novices called "Charmed with Bunraku."

Puppet Love Aika Nanao 2009

When they aren't attending a performance, they gather on bunraku Web sites; they also share information on future ticket sales through text messages, organize group outings to see performances and go on bunraku tours.

Puppet Love Aika Nanao 2009