Upcoming events
(Hanoi) BUNRAKU – Traditional Japanese Puppet Theatre
BUNRAKU
Traditional Japanese Puppet Theatre
Bunraku: The Timeless Allure of Japan’s Living World Heritage
As one of Japan’s three major traditional performing arts, alongside Noh and Kabuki, Bunraku – the classical puppet theatre – is renowned for its exquisite fusion of sophisticated puppetry, emotionally resonant narration, and traditional music. Originating in the early 17th century and flourishing during the Edo period, Bunraku has become a cornerstone of Japan’s cultural heritage, and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2003 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
To introduce Vietnamese audiences to this remarkable art form, The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam proudly presents “The Journey to Mt. Yoshino” – an excerpt from the iconic Bunraku play “Yoshitsune and One Thousand Cherry Trees”. In this performance, each puppet is animated by a trio of master puppeteers working in perfect harmony to express the character’s gestures and emotions. Meanwhile, the narrator gives voice to all characters with remarkable range and intensity, accompanied by the evocative tones of the shamisen, weaving music and storytelling into a seamless, immersive theatrical experience.
Through this event, we hope to share the emotional depth and artistic brilliance of Bunraku with Vietnamese audiences, while sparking deeper interest in intangible cultural heritage – the distilled essence of centuries-old artistic expression. In today’s expanding cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan, Bunraku stands as a living testament to the enduring power of traditional arts and an invitation to preserve and celebrate the unique legacies that define our cultures.
* Japanese with Vietnamese subtitles and interpretation
EVENT INFORMATION
■ Credits
Organized by: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
In collaboration with:
- National Bunraku Theater, Bunraku Kyokai, KANSAI BUTAI Co., LTD.,
- NPO Ningyo Johruri Bunrakuza, Adventure JAPAN Co., LT
- Youth Theater Vietnam
■ Program
- Explanation of the Three Roles (Tayu [narrators], Shamisen players, and Puppeteers)
- Performance (40 minutes): “The Journey to Mt. Yoshino” from “Yoshitsune and One Thousand Cherry Trees”
- Talk session, Q&A
* Japanese with Vietnamese subtitles and interpretation
■ About the performers
1, The Narrators (Tayu)
2, The Shamisen Players
3, The Puppeteers
■ Synopsis of “The Journey to Mt. Yoshino” from “Yoshitsune and One Thousand Cherry Trees”
The talented general Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his companions set sail for Kyushu, but a fierce storm forces them to seek refuge at Mount Yoshino.
Upon hearing this, Shizuka Gozen, Yoshitsune’s beloved, embarks alone on a journey to the Yamato region (now Nara), driven by the hope of reunion. Along the way, she plays the Hatsune drum – a cherished gift from Yoshitsune – using its gentle rhythm both to soothe her longing heart and to send her feelings across the distance.
In the stillness of the mountains, Sato Tadanobu appears, disguised as a traveler. Wearing armor given to him by Yoshitsune, he shares the story of his elder brother, Sato Tsugunobu, who was honored for his unwavering loyalty.
Tadanobu recalls the fierce battle of Dan-no-ura, where Tsugunobu bravely sacrificed himself, taking a deadly arrow meant for his lord, shot by legendary Taira warrior Taira no Noritsune.
Moved by the depth of loyalty and love, Shizuka and Tadanobu continue their journey together toward Mount Yoshino – carrying in their hearts the hope of reunion and the strength found in devotion.
IMAGES FOR PR AND REFERENCES
Remarks: For the usage of the following images for your media, please kindly put the credit and information as below, and please get the original size of the images at: (Photos of Bunraku)
■For inquiries on the program, please contact at
Ms. Linh 024-3944-7419 (máy lẻ. 115) | Mr. Osuka (076-606-0858)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
TEL 024-3944-7419
