Photographer's Note
This is very unique festival, which "Bunraku" is performed on a festival float, not on the stage.
"Bunraku" is another very traditional Japanese typical peroformance. The detail explanation(from Wikipedia) is as follows :
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Bunraku puppets range in size from two-and-a-half to four feet tall or more, depending on the age and gender of the character and the conventions of the specific puppet troupe. The puppets of the Osaka tradition tend to be somewhat smaller overall, while the puppets in the Awaji tradition are some of the largest as productions in that region tend to be held outdoors.
The heads and hands of traditional puppets are carved by specialists, while the bodies and costumes are often constructed by puppeteers. The heads can be quite sophisticated mechanically. In plays with supernatural themes, a puppet may be constructed so that its face can quickly transform into that of a demon. Less complex heads may have eyes that move up and down, side to side or close, and noses, mouths, and eyebrows that move.
Controls for all movements of parts of the head are located on a handle that extends down from the neck of the puppet and are reached by the main puppeteer inserting his or her left hand into the chest of the puppet through a hole in the back of the torso.
The main puppeteer, the omozukai, uses his or her right hand to control the right hand of the puppet. The left puppeteer, known as the hidarizukai or sashizukai, depending of the tradition of the troupe, manipulates the left hand of the puppet with his or her own right hand by means of a control rod that extends back from the elbow of the puppet. A third puppeteer, the ashizukai, operates the feet and legs. Puppeteers begin their training by operating the feet, then move onto the left hand, before being able to train as the main puppeteer. This process can take 30 years to progress.
All but the most minor characters require three puppeteers, who perform in full view of the audience, generally wearing black robes. In some traditions, all puppeteers also wear black hoods over their heads, while others, including the National Bunraku Theater, leave the main puppeteer unhooded, a style of performance known as dezukai. The shape of the puppeteers hoods also varies, depending on the school to which the puppeteer belongs.
Usually a single chanter recites all the characters' parts, altering his pitch in order to switch between various characters. However, sometimes multiple chanters are used. The chanters sit next to the shamisen player on a revolving platform, and from time to time, the platform turns, bringing replacement musicians for the next scene.
The shamisen used in bunraku has a sound which is different from other shamisen. It is lower in pitch, and has a fuller tone.
Bunraku shares many themes with kabuki. 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. The story of the forty-seven ronin is also famous in both bunraku and kabuki.
The character Osono, from the play Hade Sugata Onna Maiginu, in a performance by the Tonda Puppet Troupe of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture.
Bunraku is an author's theater, as opposed to kabuki, which is a performer's theater. In bunraku, prior to the performance, the chanter holds up the text and bows before it, promising to follow it faithfully. In kabuki, actors insert puns on their names, ad-libs, references to contemporary happenings and other things which deviate from the script.
The most famous bunraku playwright was Chikamatsu Monzaemon. With more than 100 plays to his credit, he is sometimes called the Shakespeare of Japan.
Bunraku companies, performers, and puppet makers have been designated "Living National Treasures" under Japan's program for preserving its culture.
Critiques | Translate
joso
(2405) 2012-05-13 1:38
an excellent documanted - the note - photo, bringing the atmospher of the moment
regards
janos
agulberk
(3790) 2012-05-13 2:02
Hello My Friend Takero
Embroideries in the background is so great. Puppets are also very nice. Black color has added mystery.
I did not understand why Puppetors have covered their faces?
Thanks,regards
Have a good day
Adnan
krzychu30
(8873) 2012-05-13 2:46
Hello Takero,
excellent picture,that documents well the richness of Japan culture.Well-taken in outstanding quality.Sharpness,lighting are superb and colors also fine captured.Thank you also for very informative note,that brings us closer "Bunraku" tradition.
Have a nice and sunny sunday
Krzysztof
jester5
(1620) 2012-05-13 6:48
A very interesting photograph Takero and a really good explanation in your note too thank you.I have learned a lot from you about Japanese tradition and find it fascinating.Excellent photograph as always,keep up the good work my friend.
raszid62
(18200) 2012-05-13 8:03
Hello
Very interesting photo reportage of the festival, showing a traditional Japanese puppet theater. Animators in masks, probably in order to not distract the attention of viewers.
Very good photo quality.
Yours
Joseph
ourania
(12367) 2012-05-13 8:05
Hello dear Takero,
this is a lovely picture that illustrates the fascinating notes superbly. It's very clear and well lit capturing a lot of interesting details. The group portrait of the black robed and hooded puppeteers and their elegant puppets is highly intriguing. Well done and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely week,
Ourania
jlbrthnn
(79773) 2012-05-13 13:44
Hello Takero,
The puppets, and people who operate them are very spectacular. This other aspect of traditional Japanese culture is very well presented. Details and colors are outstanding. Excellent light, colors and sharpness. Bravo.
have a nice day
Best regards
Joël
lakshmip1949
(19110) 2012-05-13 19:07
Namaskar dear Takero,
Another beautiful festival shot this time with the hooded people holding the puppets. Very sharp image with nice colors. Very informative note about the Bunraku tradition.
Lakshmi
edge
(6068) 2012-05-13 21:03
Hello Takero, The Bunraku looks like a wonderful celebration with the puppets and all of the fine color of the images.
This is an outstanding set of notes informing the reader the practice and traditions of the Bunraku. I knew that it existed and I think I have seen something on the television about it, but your information was great. Regards, Roger
SWEETFREEDOM
(18415) 2012-05-14 10:24
Hi Takero,
characteristic festival, interesting scene, good colors and sharpness as usual.
regards
Alessandro
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Takero KAWABATA (bukitgolfb301)
(30065) - Genre: People
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2012-05-03
- Categories: Festivals
- Camera: Canon 1D MKIII, Canon 28-70mm f:2.8 (L), 77 mm CPL
- Exposure: f/3.2, 1/500 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2012-05-13 1:14









