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Traditional Japanese puppet show

Traditional Japanese puppet theater "Seiwa Bunraku" is performed in Washington on March 21, 2025.

Traditional Japanese puppet show

A person photographs puppets from the traditional Japanese Seiwa Bunraku puppet theater on March 21, 2025, in Washington.

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'Bunraku' puppet masters to give special show in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - "Bunraku" (puppet theater) chant master Toyotake Nozomidayu (L) poses with puppet masters and a "shamisen" (three-stringed guitar) player during a press conference held in Osaka on Dec. 24, 2014, to announce a special Bunraku performance to be staged in the western Japan city in February 2015.

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'Bunraku' puppet theater to be performed across Japan

TOKYO, Japan - Yohei Sasakawa (R), chairman of the Nippon Foundation, and noted puppeteer Kanjyuro Kiritake (2nd from R) strike a pose with others in Tokyo on Aug. 27, 2014. Sasakawa launched a "Japan Bunraku" project on the same day to promote the traditional Japanese puppet theater through performances across Japan on a ready-to-assemble temporary stage, funded by the foundation, starting with performances at Tokyo's Roppongi Hills next March.

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5 mil. yen grant for Bunraku puppet show in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - A Bunraku puppet receives a document on a 5 million yen grant in Osaka on Aug. 26, 2014, as the first recipient of the grant from Arts Support Kansai, a body launched in April to support cultural and artistic activities in the Kansai region. Keihanshin Building Co. President Kenjiro Nakano has decided to donate 5 million yen to the body to support the Bunraku puppet show.

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Takemoto Gendayu to retire from bunraku theater

TOKYO, Japan - Photo taken in February 2010 shows Takemoto Gendayu, a renowned Japanese traditional "joruri bunraku" puppet play master. Takemoto, 82, will retire due to health reasons, the bunraku association said July 14, 2014.

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Opening of Yakumo Koizumi museum in Greece

LEFKADA, Greece - A Seiwa Bunraku puppet from Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, cuts the tape on July 4, 2014, to celebrate the opening of a memorial museum for Meiji-period writer Yakumo Koizumi, whose real name was Lafcadio Hearn, on Greece's Lefkada island where he was born in 1850. He moved to Japan and lived in such places as Kumamoto and Matsue.

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'Bunraku' legend Takemoto Sumitayu ends 68-year career

TOKYO, Japan - Legendary "bunraku" puppet show narrator Takemoto Sumitayu speaks on May 26, 2014 as he greets the capacity-crowd audience at Tokyo's National Theater after winding up his 68-year career. The 89-year-old designated living national treasure suffered a stroke in July 2012, which eventually led him to call it quits.

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Master 'Joruri' chanter Takemoto ends final performance

OSAKA, Japan - Master "Joruri" narrative music chanter Takemoto Sumidayu hugs a puppet in tears after the 89-year-old performer's final stage appearance before retirement at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, western Japan, on April 27, 2014.

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Master 'Joruri' chanter Takemoto ends final performance

OSAKA, Japan - Master "Joruri" narrative music chanter Takemoto Sumidayu, 89, performs in his final stage appearance before retirement at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, western Japan, on April 27, 2014.

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National Bunraku Theatre marks 30th anniversary

OSAKA, Japan - Living national treasure Takemoto Sumitayu performs "Kotobukishiki Sanbaso" during a celebratory event marking the 30th anniversary of the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, western Japan, on March 27, 2014. Bunraku is Japanese traditional puppet theater.

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National Bunraku Theatre marks 30th anniversary

OSAKA, Japan - "Kotobukishiki Sanbaso," a piece in Japanese traditional puppet theater known as bunraku, is performed on March 27, 2014, at an celebratory event marking the 30th anniversary of the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, western Japan.

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Woman shaking hands with Bunraku puppet

OSAKA, Japan - A woman shakes hands with a puppet at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka on Jan. 26, 2014, after the final spring performance. The Osaka city government has decided to reduce its subsidies to the Bunraku association.

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Bunraku faces crisis

OSAKA, Japan - Performers of the Bunraku puppet theater promote the Japanese traditional shows at JR Osaka Station in Osaka on July 19, 2012. Bunraku is facing a crisis as the city of Osaka, a major patron, has threatened to cut off its financial support.

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Bunraku enlivens ride on train to Nara

NARA, Japan - Bunraku puppeteer Kanjuro Kiritake (C) brings a puppet of the traditional Japanese art form to life aboard a special train heading to Nara Station in Nara Prefecture from Nada Station in Osaka Prefecture on the Kintesu Railways on March 27, 2010. Some 200 passengers enjoyed the performance as part of an event commemorating the 1,300th anniversary of the transfer of the national capital to Heijo, an ancient capital city located in current Nara City.

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Osaka theater decorated with traditional New Year's red snapper

OSAKA, Japan - Workers put up a 3-meter-long papier-mache red snapper at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka as a New Year's decoration on Dec. 25, 2009. Glaring red snappers, or ''nirami tai,'' were a popular seasonal decoration at theaters in western Japan before World War II and the puppet theater is reviving the tradition.

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Japanese puppet show at Louvre Museum

PARIS, France - The popular Japanese puppet show ''Sonezaki Shinju,'' the story of a suicide pact between two Osaka lovers in the 18th century, was staged at the Louvre Museum in Paris on March 4 as part of cultural events to mark the 150th anniversary of the treaty of amity and commerce between Japan and France. The show was performed by Yoshida Minosuke, the ''joruri bunraku'' puppet show master who was named Commander of the Order of Arts and Literature from the French government in March last year in recognition of his artistic and cultural achievements.

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Japan Bunraku troupe to take part in Palermo puppet festival

KUMAMOTO, Japan - An amateur ''Seiwa Bunraku'' puppet troupe from Kumamoto Prefecture will take part in the Morgana Puppet Festival in Palermo, Italy on Dec. 14-16. This photo, taken Dec. 9, depicts a scene in a Seiwa Buraku performance held at the Seiwa Bunraku Museum in Yamato, Kumamoto. Seiwa Buraku, a local Kumamoto form of traditional Japanese puppet theater, is typically staged by three puppeteers in black costumes, their faces covered in hoods.

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(2)Crown prince, princess watch Bunraku puppet show

TOKYO, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako visit the National Theater in Tokyo to watch a Bunraku puppet show Feb. 22. (Pool photo)

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(1)Crown prince, princess watch Bunraku puppet show

TOKYO, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako respond to members of the audience at the National Theater in Tokyo before watching a Bunraku puppet show Feb. 22. (Pool photo)

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Japan to nominate 'joruri bunraku' for UNESCO recognition

TOKYO, Japan - Master puppet operator Yoshida Tamao manipulates a ''joruri bunraku'' puppet in a photo taken at the National Theater in Tokyo on May 9. Japan's Cultural Affairs Agency decided May 17 to nominate ''joruri bunraku'' puppet theater for recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a ''masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.''

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(1)Crown prince, princess watch Bunraku puppet show

TOKYO, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako respond to members of the audience at the National Theater in Tokyo before watching a Bunraku puppet show Feb. 22. (Pool photo)(Kyodo)

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Japan to nominate 'joruri bunraku' for UNESCO recognition

TOKYO, Japan - Master puppet operator Yoshida Fumio Tamao manipulates a ''joruri bunraku'' puppet in a photo taken at the National Theater in Tokyo on May 9. Japan's Cultural Affairs Agency decided May 17 to nominate ''joruri bunraku'' puppet theater for recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a ''masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.''

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(2)Crown prince, princess watch Bunraku puppet show

TOKYO, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako visit the National Theater in Tokyo to watch a Bunraku puppet show Feb. 22. (Pool photo)(Kyodo)

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Bunraku (2010)

Ron Perlman & Demi Moore Characters: Nicola, Alexandra Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Gackt Characters: Yoshi Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Gackt, Ron Perlman, Josh Hartnett, Woody Harrelson & Demi Moore Characters: Yoshi, Nicola, The Drifter, The Bartender, Alexandra Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Gackt, Ron Perlman, Josh Hartnett, Woody Harrelson & Demi Moore Characters: Yoshi, Nicola, The Drifter, The Bartender, Alexandra Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Demi Moore Characters: Alexandra Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Demi Moore Characters: Alexandra Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Gackt, Demi Moore, Josh Hartnett, Woody Harrelson, Kevin Mckidd, Ron Perlman & Shun Sugata Poster Characters: Yoshi, Alexandra, The Drifter, The Bartender, Killer No. 2, Nicola, Uncle Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Josh Hartnett Characters: The Drifter Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Josh Hartnett & Woody Harrelson Characters: The Drifter, The Bartender Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Demi Moore Characters: Alexandra Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Josh Hartnett Characters: The Drifter Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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Bunraku (2010)

Kevin Mckidd Characters: Killer No. 2 Film: Bunraku (2010) Director: Guy Moshe 11 September 2010 Date: 11 September 2010

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INTRICATE DOLLS ON BUNRAKU STAGE

INTRICATE DOLLS ON BUNRAKU STAGE==Date:Feb, 1963, Place:,JAPAN, (Credit:INTERNATIONAL MOTION PICTURE/Kyodo News Images)

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"Nippon Bunraku" performance to be held in October

Kiritake Kanjuro (L), a Bunraku puppeteer, poses in Osaka, western Japan, on July 8, 2015, when the Nippon Foundation announced it will hold a performance in Osaka, western Japan, in October, as part of its "Nippon Bunraku" project promoting the traditional Japanese performing art. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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'Bunraku' puppetry artist takes on master's name

"Bunraku" puppetry artist Tamame Yoshida (front) sits on the stage at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, western Japan, on April 4, 2015, during his name-taking ceremony to debut as Tamao Yoshida II, succeeding his master. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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New 'bunraku' master handles puppet during name-taking performance

"Bunraku" puppetry master Tamao Yoshida II performs at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, western Japan, on April 4, 2015, after taking on his predecessor's name. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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SNAPSHOT: Puppet master assumes prestigious teacher's name

Yoshida Tamao, a puppet master of the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku, heads to his dressing room at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka on March 31, 2015, after assuming his master's name. He was previously called Yoshida Tamame. His master was a living national treasure. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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SNAPSHOT: Puppet master assumes prestigious teacher's name

Yoshida Tamame, a puppet master of the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku, pays respect at the grave of his late teacher, Yoshida Tamao, in Osaka on March 31, 2015. Tamame has assumed the name of his master, who was a living national treasure. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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SNAPSHOT: Puppet master assumes prestigious teacher's name

Yoshida Tamame (R), a puppet master of the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku, prays on March 31, 2015, at an Osaka shrine for the success of a gala performance marking his succession to his teacher's name. His master, Yoshida Tamao, was a living national treasure. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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SNAPSHOT: Puppet master assumes prestigious teacher's name

Yoshida Tamame (front), a puppet master of the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, Bunraku, prays on March 31, 2015, at an Osaka shrine for the success of a gala performance marking his succession to his teacher's name. His master, Yoshida Tamao, was a living national treasure. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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'Bunraku' puppeteer to assume master's name of Yoshida Tamao

"Bunraku" puppet handler Yoshida Tamame performs on March 18, 2015, before assuming his master's name of Yoshida Tamao in April. Bunraku is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Mobile 'Bunraku' theater shown at Roppongi Hills

A mobile stage made of Japanese cypress for the "Bunraku" traditional puppet theater is unveiled at an outdoor space of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo on March 18, 2015, on the eve of the official opening of "Nippon Bunraku" performance. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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New robot mimics movements of traditional 'bunraku' puppets

Renowned Japanese "bunraku" puppeteer Kiritake Kanjuro (back) and his kimono-clad puppet pose with a prototype robot designed to mimic bunraku puppets' bodily movements at a press conference in Osaka, western Japan, on March 16, 2015. Kiritake helped a research team, led by Osaka University of Arts professor Shinobu Nakagawa, in their eight-year project to develop the humanoid. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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New robot imitates movements of traditional 'bunraku' puppets

A prototype robot designed to imitate the bodily movements of Japanese "bunraku" puppets in expressing emotions demonstrates its moves to the press in Osaka, western Japan, on March 16, 2015. A team of researchers led by Osaka University of Arts professor Shinobu Nakagawa spent eight years developing the humanoid, with the help of renowned bunraku puppeteer Kiritake Kanjuro. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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New robot mimics movements of traditional 'bunraku' puppets

A prototype robot designed to mimic the bodily movements of Japanese "bunraku" puppets in expressing emotions makes a courteous bow during a demonstration in Osaka, western Japan, on March 16, 2015. A research team led by Osaka University of Arts professor Shinobu Nakagawa spent eight years developing the humanoid, with the help of renowned bunraku puppeteer Kiritake Kanjuro. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Young 'Bunraku' puppeteer practices to lure youth audience

Kosuke Yoshida (R), a puppeteer for the traditional Japanese puppet play called Bunraku, practices at the Knowledge Theater in Osaka, western Japan, ahead of a show set to be played by young performers. The show was organized by five local TV broadcasters to promote the performing art among young generations. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo