Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
“Bunraku Evening” Special Edition
NIKKEI
This is a program that conveys the charm of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku, a traditional performing art born in Osaka.
Discussion
- Traditional performing art
- Cultural arts
- Music
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
Reservations are required for this programme.
Booking typically opens with the '2-month advance lottery.' Click below for details.
* Arrive early; latecomers may not be admitted.
For more information about making a reservation to watch a programme.
Please watch the Virtual Studio if you are outside the venue.
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Agenda2025
Participation Programme
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.05.02[Fri]
14:15 ～ 16:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
-
- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
Ningyo Joruri Bunraku is a traditional performing art that originated in Osaka during the Edo period, and is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In order to pass on this tradition to the next generation, NIKKEI has been holding an event entitled "Bunraku Evening" every year since 2003. This special edition will introduce the appeal of Bunraku to the younger generation and foreigners through workshops, explanations and demonstrations by The Ningyo Joruri Bunrakuza performers. The workshop participants are current art university students, as well as students studying vocal, instrumental and drama studies, who will be able to experience the art of Bunraku, and will be able to convey the characteristics and features of Bunraku to the audience in an easy-to-understand manner by comparing it with Western music and physical expression.
Reports
Discoveries (New Insights)
Through live performances and workshops, this event provided participants with a deep understanding of the three core elements of Bunraku: narration (tayū), shamisen music, and puppetry. It was especially meaningful to convey aspects of Bunraku that are rarely encountered—such as the melodic narration, the expression of the shamisen, and the intricate coordination of the three-person puppetry—to younger generations and international audiences. It was also impressive to see students of vocal music, instrumental performance, and theater absorbing Bunraku from their own perspectives and seeking ways to apply it to their respective fields.
Impact (Outcomes and Reactions)
Despite the minimalist stage setup, the synchronized performance by the skilled artists captivated the audience. In the workshops, participants experienced the depth of Bunraku’s techniques firsthand, expressing their amazement and emotional responses. Additionally, the event was streamed on the official Expo YouTube channel, successfully sharing the charm of Bunraku with viewers both in Japan and abroad—an outcome well aligned with the theme of cultural co-creation.
Reflections (Points for Improvement)
On the other hand, although it can't be helped, since it was only a performance of one scene, the whole story was not conveyed and some people may have felt unsatisfied.
We aim to continue promoting the multifaceted appeal of Bunraku and building cultural bridges with future generations and international audiences.
Following this special edition, this autumn's "Bunraku Evening" is planned to be even more substantial. We aim to delve into the appeal and potential of Bunraku from various perspectives and provide audiences with new insights. We hope that this will become a place where the world of Bunraku becomes more accessible and diverse.
Cast
Moderator
Mayumi Morinishi
Professor Emeritus at Osaka Shoin Women's University, former editor-in-chief of Kamigata Geino
She has served as a member of the Council for Cultural Affairs of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and a council member of the Japan Arts Council. She has appeared on NHK's "Invitation to Classical Performing Arts" and other programs. In 2009, she acted as an explainer to Her Majesty the Empress (now the Empress Emerita) at the Imperial Bunraku performance at the National Bunraku Theater.
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Speakers
Mutsumidayu Toyotake
Bunrakuza narrator
April 1996: 17th Bunraku trainee at the National Theater
April 1998: Became a disciple of Shimatayu Toyotake
and took the name Mutsumidayu Toyotake
July 1998: Debuted at the National Bunraku Theater
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Tomonosuke Tsurusawa
Bunrakuza shamisen player
April 2000: Became a trainee for the 19th class of the National Theater Bunraku.
April 2002: Became a disciple of Tomisuke Toyozawa and took the name Ryouji Toyozawa .
July 2002: Debuted at the National Bunraku Theater.
May 2017: Became a disciple of Seitomo Tsurusawa and took the name Tomonosuke Tsurusawa .
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Kanjiro Kiritake
Bunrakuza puppeteer
February 2005: Became a disciple of Kanjuro Kiritake Ⅲ and a research student of the Bunraku Association. April 2006: Debuted at the National Bunraku Theater and took the name Kanjiro Kiritake.
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Co-organiser
Sponsor: Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Production cooperation: Bunraku Association
Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
“Bunraku Evening” Special Edition
This is a program that conveys the charm of Ningyo Joruri Bunraku, a traditional performing art born in Osaka.
-
2025.05.02[Fri]
14:15～16:00
(Venue Open 14:00)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
Reservations are required for this programme.
Booking typically opens with the '2-month advance lottery.' Click below for details.
* Arrive early; latecomers may not be admitted.
For more information about making a reservation to watch a programme.
Please watch the Virtual Studio if you are outside the venue.
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Co-creating Cultures for the Future Week
