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Awaji Ningyo Joruri puppet theater, designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property, is one of Japan’s vaunted performing arts.

The Awaji Puppet Theater has passed down this tradition since the Edo period (1603–1868), keeping its torch burning until the present day. The ningyo-tsukai puppeteers who manipulate the puppets, the tayu who narrate the story, and the shamisen players come together to create this art. They spin a story on the stage, seeming to breathe life into the puppets and offering an unforgettable experience.

The Ningyo Joruri passed down on Awaji Island evolved in a unique way, slightly different to the bunraku puppet theater of Osaka.

First, you may be surprised to learn that these puppets are a size larger than those of bunraku, with a heavy sense of presence. This is a remnant of the ingenuity of the creators, who were ensuring that even the far-away audience members sitting in the wide open air could see clearly in an era without electricity.

The very flashy performances that grab the attention of the audience are also a point of note. With techniques such as ningyo no hayagawari, a very quick change of costume on the stage, and odogu-gaeshi, a complete change of setting, Ningyo Joruri puppet theater is filled with magic tricks! The passion of the people of the past has been passed to the present.

And it is the existence of practitioners, regardless of gender, who support this tradition. Women also play important roles in Awaji Ningyo Joruri, and the local people have come together to preserve and cultivate this art.

After immersing yourself in a performance at the Awaji Puppet Theater, make sure you drop into the shop and look for an item that will become the perfect memory of your trip, such as exclusive original Denjiro Konfeito candy and Ebessan no Ofukuwake egg senbei.