National Bunraku Theatre, Osaka

The National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka stands as a preeminent institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bunraku, the traditional Japanese puppet theater. Situated in the bustling Chūō-ku district of Osaka, this theatre complex was inaugurated in 1984 and has since functioned as the headquarters for Bunraku, marking its status as the fourth national theatre in Japan.

The complex houses two main performance halls and an exhibition room, designed to accommodate a variety of traditional Japanese arts. The Large Theatre, with a seating capacity that adjusts to around 700 depending on the stage setup, is the primary venue for Bunraku performances. This hall also hosts other traditional forms such as Buyō (Japanese dance) and stage plays. Meanwhile, the Small Hall, which can seat 159, is versatile in its offerings, showcasing arts such as rakugo (comic storytelling), manzai (stand-up comedy), and various forms of Japanese music. The exhibition room plays a crucial educational role, featuring rare and valuable documents related to Bunraku, along with occasional exhibits that are open to the public free of charge.

Bunraku itself is a unique form of storytelling that combines dramatic narratives called "Jyoruri" with musical accompaniment from the shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument. The performances are notable for their elaborate and mechanically sophisticated puppets that can express a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sorrow. These puppets are typically operated by three puppeteers in what is known as the "three-person-puppet" technique, a method renowned for its complexity and rarity worldwide.

The National Bunraku Theatre not only serves as a cultural landmark but also as a vital institution for the preservation of a significant aspect of Japan’s artistic heritage.