Seiwa Bunrakumura - traditional puppet theatre

Kyushu's only traditional puppet theatre

If you are interested in Japanese traditional arts you are sure to find a visit to the Seiwa Bunraku traditional puppet theatre in Yamato Town fascinating.

What is Bunraku?

Bunraku is the name given to Japan’s traditional puppet theatre which has a history dating back over 300 years. Also known as ningyo joruri, many of the plays performed are closely related to Kabuki. Three puppeteers are needed to operate each puppet, they are dressed head to toe in black and do not speak during the performance. The story is told by a special chanter called a tayu who is accompanied by a shamisen player. They sit on a raised platform to the right side of the stage. The tayu narrates the story and also expresses each puppets emotion and personality through his voice and facial gestures.

The puppets

The bunraku puppets, which are around half life size are beautifully dressed in traditional Japanese costumes. Their heads and hands are carved from wood and painted by specialist craftsmen. The heads are particularly intricate with moving parts and sometimes hidden mechanical devices which can change their appearance dramatically; for example transforming a demure beauty into a demon.

The head of the puppet is attached to a rod and strings are attached to this to manipulate the facial features. Only the male puppets have legs, the females wear long kimonos so the puppeteers use their fists under the fabric to simulate leg movement.

Three puppeteers are usually needed for each puppet, the lead puppet master operates the head, face and right arm, another puppeteer the left arm and a third to work the legs and feet. To become the lead puppet master is a lengthy and tough apprenticeship; usually 10 years spent learning the feet and legs and another 10 to 15 years on the left arm before finally beginning to learn to operate the head and right arm.

Seiwa Bunraku Puppet theatre history

According to local legend around1850 a traveling puppet troupe from Awaji island in Hyogo stopped to perform in the village of Seiwa (now part of Yamato town). One of the locals was so inspired by the performance, he bought some puppets and began learning the art of bunraku. Other local farmers got involved and over the years they would use down time to practice and develop their craft, meeting when the weather was bad or during quieter times of the farming year. The troupe became well known in Kumamoto and would be often invited to perform plays around the prefecture. With the advent of electronic entertainment many of the traditional puppet groups died out but in Seiwa the tradition remained strong. In 1979 the Seiwa Bunraku Puppet theatre troupe was designated as an important intangible cultural property in Kumamoto. In 1992 the only theatre in Kyushu dedicated to Ningyo Joruri was specially designed and built in Yamato town.

Seiwa Bunrakukan museum

Attached to the theatre is a small museum where you can see the puppets. You can learn more about how they are made and operated and also see video footage of some performances.

The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00 every day except Tuesdays.

Seiwabunrakumura Michinoeki shop & restaurant

Across from the theatre is a large Michinoeki; a shop which sells local produce, crafts and souvenirs. Yamato is famous for its chestnuts so you will find lots of chestnut flavoured products. At the end of the shop is a popular restaurant selling local dishes. Behind the theatre and shops is a wide open grassy space which is nice for a picnic or for kids to play.

Performances on 2nd & 4th Sundays from 13:30
Performances for groups of 20+ can be arranged for date of your choice - must be reserved 2 weeks in advance. Private mini performances can be arranged for groups of 10 or more (30 minutes)
Entrance Adults ¥1,700, Junior High - ¥1000, Elementary school & under ¥800
Performances are around an hour long and include a chance to see how the puppets are operated and have photos with them. If you can't make it to a performance. Seiwa Bunrakumura is still an interesting place to visit with a great Michinoeki shop, a restaurant offering local specialities and a small puppet museum where you can see video of some performances and the puppets themselves.