The subtle movement of the puppet's head and its lifelike gait, the perfect harmony between its actions, the narration and the music—all have taken generations to perfect. “This is what makes Bunraku unique and simply wonderful”. ...

How is Bunraku different from other types of puppetry?

The shamisen used in bunraku is slightly larger than other kinds of shamisen and has a different sound, lower in pitch and with a fuller tone. ... In fact, many plays were adapted for performance both by actors in kabuki and by puppet troupes in bunraku. Bunraku is particularly noted for lovers' suicide plays.

Why is Bunraku important?

Bunraku (文楽) is the traditional puppet theater of Japan. It started of as popular entertainment for the commoners during the Edo Period in Osaka and evolved into artistic theater during the late 17th century. Along with noh and kabuki, it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.