- Bunraku
- Other Theater
Bunraku Performance in May
Bunraku Performance in May 2025
Performance Dates: May 9 (Fri.) - May 27 (Tue.), 2025
No performance on 15 (Thu.)
Venue: Theatre 1010 (Adachi Ward Cultural Arts Theatre)
Program Ⅰ (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Ashiya Dōman Ōuchi Kagami
Program II （3:15 p.m. - 6:20 p.m.）
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura
Program III（7:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.)
Guidance
Heike Nyogo no Shima
◆"Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura"（Cultural Digital Library by Japan Arts Council）
Ticket Prices (tax included)
(Program I / Program II)
Adults: [1st Grade] ¥9,000 [2nd Grade] ¥8,000
Students: [1st Grade] ¥6,300 [2nd Grade] ¥5,600
(Program III)
Adults: [1st Grade] ¥5,000 [2nd Grade] ¥4,000
Students: [1st Grade] ¥3,500 [2nd Grade] ¥2,800
Seating plan
*English and Japanese audio guide is available for rent. Click here for details of audio guide.
*English synopsis is available. It is included in the paid Japanese brochure.
*There will be intermission.
Booking Opens
April 14 (Mon.), 10:00 a.m.
* If there are still tickets available for purchase on the day of the event, you may purchase them in person at the Box Office (on-site) for this performance.
Box Office (on-site) : Open from 10:00 a.m. until each curtain time.
*Tickets for students and persons with disabilities for this performance are available online.
*Wheelchair spaces are available. For more details, please contact the Box Office.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Box Office (by phone)
0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000) in Japanese and English (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Click here to find the details about how to buy tickets.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
in Japanese
Bunraku is a traditional Japanese theatrical art, where the story and characters’ emotions are expressed through "Jōruri" performed by "Tayū (chanters)" and "Shamisen players," while the "Ningyō-Tsukai (puppeteers)," three puppeteers working in unison, manipulate a single puppet.
*Shamisen is a traditional instrument with three strings.
The Bunraku performance in May 2025, produced by the National Theatre, offers a program that allows audiences to fully experience the charm of Bunraku’s classic plays. In particular, Program III, starting at 7:00 p.m., is designed for those new to Bunraku, featuring a brief yet captivating performance with explanations of the works being presented.
In Program I (starting at 11:00 a.m.), we will present Ashiya Dōman Ōuchi Kagami, a play centered around the birth of Abe no Seimei, a court astrologer from the late 10th to early 11th century, who divined good and bad omens and left behind otherworldly legends. The lore holds that Seimei was the child of a white fox (in Japan, foxes are believed to possess the supernatural ability to transform into humans). This fox turned into a human woman, married Seimei’s father, and gave birth to Seimei—however, they were eventually forced to part ways. While the play highlights the profound bond between mother and son, it also features a dramatic conflict over the inheritance of astronomical knowledge, along with lively, dance-like moments, making it a highly engaging and dynamic piece.
Program II (starting at 3:15 p.m.) features Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura, one of the three representative masterpieces in the Bunraku repertoire. Set during the 12th century, it depicts the tragic events surrounding Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a military leader who rose to prominence during the conflict between the Genji and Heike clans. The play highlights the intense final moments of Yoshitsune’s enemy, Taira no Tomomori, as well as a beautiful scene set against the cherry blossom backdrop of Yoshino Mountain, where Yoshitsune’s lover, Shizuka Gozen, and his retainer, Satō Tadanobu, perform a magnificent dance. You will experience the richness of Bunraku’s music and the striking movement of the puppets in these emotionally charged moments.
Program III (starting at 7:00 p.m.) is an introductory performance of approximately 80 minutes, inviting you to step into the world of Bunraku through explanations and excerpts of classic works. For this, we will present Heike Nyogo no Shima, written by the illustrious playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon, often referred to as the "Shakespeare of Japan." The play tells the story of Shunkan, a man exiled to a remote island after plotting to overthrow the ruling Heike clan. Living modestly in exile, his life takes a dramatic turn when a messenger arrives with the news that his crime may be forgiven. The unfolding drama, brimming with emotional highs and lows, is easy to follow and deeply captivating. The final scene of Shunkan will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
The Bunraku performances, opening on May 9 (Fri.), 2025, will be held at Theatre 1010 in Kitasenju, conveniently located 20 minutes from central Tokyo by multiple train lines. Please take this opportunity to enjoy the captivating world of Bunraku, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. We look forward to welcoming you.