What Am I Actually Doing?

   My peanut butter crisis is over so here's some background information and an update on what I'm learning this summer. 

Introduction to Ningyō Jōruri Puppetry: 

​   This style originated in the 1600s and is also known as bunraku, which comes from the name of a particular troupe. Ningyō means puppet, while jōruri refers to the sung narration. During performances, the tayu (narrator) sits offstage, fully visible to the audience, reciting the entire play and using a different voice for each character. The narrator is accompanied by a musician playing a stringed instrument called a samisen.
 
   Each puppet is manipulated by three black-clad, hooded puppeteers. The main puppeteer, the omo-zukai, operates the head and the right hand, the hidari-zukai operates the left hand, and the ashi-zukai operates the legs. 

Puppet blacks, hood, and toe-socks:

What I'm Learning on a Daily Basis:  

   I'm learning how to operate the kashira (head), hidari (left hand), and ashi (legs). I am also learning four different scenes with four different puppet troupes:
 
  On Mondays, I rehearse with Jurobe-Za, operating the left hand of the god Ebisu in 
  Ebisu-  Mai.
 
  On Thursdays, I rehearse with Hureai- Za, operating the left hand of Yayoa Oshichi, who is         rushing to prevent the death of her lover on a snowy night. 

Learning to operate Oshichi's left hand: 

   On Saturday morning, I rehearse with Naruto-Za as the main puppeteer operating Otsuru, a
​   young pilgrim girl. 
 
   On Saturday evening, I rehearse with Seinen-Za, operating the feet of a puppet performing a     traditional dance called Sanbaso.

Learning to operate the legs of a Sanbaso puppet: 

Other Stuff I'm Doing: 

Sushi dinner/hanging out with my 2-year-old Japanese tutor: 

Day trip to Awaji Island: 

Hiking Yama Inu Dake: 

​Want more puppet and non-puppet content? Follow me on Instagram @clairederr