Bunraku Lecture & Demonstration
Traditional Japanese Puppet Theatre

When:
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | 19:00
Where:
Black Box Theater,
The American College of Greece (6 Gravias str., Aghia Paraskevi, GR 15342)

Staged by Coten-Goten Co., Ltd.

About the event

The Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Francis Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, cordially invite you to the lecture and demonstration of Bunraku, one of Japan’s representative traditional theatre arts for adults, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Bunraku is a closely collaborative form which synchronizes narrative recitation, shamisen music and puppetry in performance. Originally referred to as Ningyō Jōruri, it was formed in around 1600. Jōruri is the art of narration, with shamisen coming into usage for the musical performance, and merged with puppetry that has existed since ancient times. Takemoto Gidayu, a master narrator, opened the Takemoto Takemoto-za theatre in Osaka. The theatre staged plays written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon that became highly popular, and formed Bunraku as we know it today.

Program

1. Opening Performance
“The Report of Utanosuke” (Utanosuke no Chūshin)
A scene from Keisei Hangonko
A characteristic excerpt is presented, clearly highlighting the movement of the puppet and offering the audience a comprehensive view of Bunraku (narrator, shamisen, puppet).

2. Introduction to Bunraku

3. Lecture & Demonstrations
▶ Gidayu-bushi Demonstration ▶ Puppetry Demonstration ▶ Hands-on Experience

4. Main Performance
“The Love Suicides of Osome and Hisamatsu” from Shinpan Utazaimon
Act: Nozaki Nozaki-mura (The Village of Nozaki)
An excerpt from the renowned work is presented, depicting the tragic love story and double suicide of Osome and Hisamatsu. A member of the audience will be invited to participate in the role of Hisamatsu.

5. Q&A Session

Performers

Tayu / Narrator: Toyotake Yoshihodayu
Shamisen: Tsuruzawa Tomonosuke
Puppeteers: Yoshida Tamasuke; Kiritake Monyoshi; Yoshida Tamaji; Yoshida Tamanobu

The event is free and open to the public, by registration only.

Parking on campus is provided, upon availability.