Where to see authentic bunraku puppet performances

Japan is a place where tradition and modernity do not conflict, but coexist – and this is never more noticeable than in Osaka, where you can step off a Shinkansen train and, minutes later, see classical art forms unfold on stage.

Bunraku is a form of traditional Japanese drama performed by a narrator (us),one Shamisen Players and puppeteers bring the story to life. This art form dates back to the 1600s and originally originated in the Dotonbori district of Osaka. Located in the bustling Namba neighborhood and near iconic billboards like Glico Man, the National Bunraku Theater is a great destination to enjoy traditional Japanese puppet theater.

Bunraku’s Magical World

While many may be more familiar with other styles of traditional Japanese theater, such as kabuki, bunraku has an equally rich history. It was listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2008, presenting a gorgeous spectacle that cannot be missed.

For those unfamiliar with this art form, the mention of puppets may conjure up images of children or be seen as simpler entertainment, but Bunraku presents complex dramas crafted for mature audiences by masters of their craft. Bunraku is performed by a Taiyu (narrator), a three-stringed lute player, and three puppeteers who manipulate the puppets in a seamless and artistic manner. Tayu’s powerful voice narrates each scene and recites dialogue for all characters. Shamisen players add depth to the atmosphere and evoke emotional complexity, guiding the flow of the show. The puppeteers create movements so smooth and precise that the puppet looks like a real creature.

The wooden puppets are carved by the main puppeteer (Momozuka) who operates the puppet’s head and right hand. The puppet master on the left (Zuozuka) operates the left hand of the puppet, and Ashizuka Operate the puppet’s feet. The main puppeteer, without speaking, signals to the others and moves in perfect synchrony, breathing life into the puppets. The path to becoming a master puppeteer can take up to 20 years of training to master.

The puppets are a work of art in their own right, handcrafted with many details and complete with exquisite costumes. The puppet’s face has a special mechanism that produces different expressions that can turn a beautiful princess into a terrifying demon in an instant.

Photo courtesy of National Bunraku Theater

Putting history on stage

While the days of samurai and shogunate have passed, Bunraku offers the opportunity to explore legendary stories. Various Bunraku plays depict historical events, dramatic love stories, and famous myths. Performances at the National Bunraku Theater in January 2026 include The Story of Shin Arisu “Princess Hoshitsuki’s New Story” tells an unfortunate love story in the samurai era.

Photo courtesy of National Bunraku Theater

Experience bunraku in the birthplace of bunraku

The National Bunraku Theater is an ideal place to experience bunraku in its birthplace, especially for newcomers. Those who want to experience the entire show can purchase full-show tickets, but single-act tickets offer a way to enjoy just one performance – some lasting just 30 minutes. These single-show tickets can be purchased online in advance, making them an easy, low-investment option for stopping by and enjoying bunraku in between sightseeing plans. An English audio guide and summary are also available, ensuring that even non-Japanese speakers can easily follow the story.

Photo courtesy of National Bunraku Theater

National Bunraku Theater Osaka: 2026 schedule and tickets

The National Bunraku Theater’s 2026 performance schedule begins with performances in January. Tickets can be booked online, with English support.

From January 3 to 27, 2026, New Year Bunraku performances will include Longevity Four Seasons Sanba Village (Ritual San Basso), Selangor’s seam in Tsuji (The Tale of Tamate Gozen) The Story of Shin Arisu (The New Story of Princess Usuki), Tsubosaka Guanyin Lingyuanji (The Miracle of Tsubasaka Kannonji Temple) and Renjishi (lion dance) as the featured performance.

April’s Bunraku performances will include Sugawara Denbe Tenna Mirror (Sugawara and the Secret of Calligraphy), The Second Ninja of Kamuro (little girl in the play area) and Hiragana Kiyomizuki (The Rise and Fall of the Genji Family).

In June, the theater will present bunraku performances for beginners, including Dumpling Uri (dumpling vendor) and Futatsu Town Kuroba Diary (two sumo wrestlers in the play area), and an instructional demonstration for bunraku beginners.

National Bunraku Theater
1-12-10 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Tel: 06-6212-2531

The National Bunraku Theater is about a 1-minute walk from Osaka Subway/Kintetsu Nipponbashi Station and about 10 minutes from Dotonbori.

All images courtesy of the National Bunraku Theater.