Japanese puppet show at Louvre Museum

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.

Japanese puppet show at Louvre Museum

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. (Kyodo)

(2)Joruri bunraku gains UNESCO recognition

(2)Joruri bunraku gains UNESCO recognition

TOKYO, Japan - Minosuke Yoshida operates a ''joruri bunraku'' puppet to perform the tragic drama ''Sonezaki Shinju'' in an undated photo released by Japan's Culture Agency. The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Nov. 7 recognized Japan's traditional form of puppet theater as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. (Kyodo)

(1)Joruri bunraku gains UNESCO recognition

(1)Joruri bunraku gains UNESCO recognition

TOKYO, Japan - Tamao Yoshida (L) and Minosuke Yoshida operate ''joruri bunraku'' puppets to perform the popular drama ''Honcho Nijushiko'' in an undated photo provided by Japan's Culture Agency. The U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Nov. 7 recognized Japan's traditional form of puppet theater as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. (Kyodo)