When is the Bunraku Appreciation Class held in June?

It will be held from June 4 (Thursday) to June 18 (Thursday). Note that June 9 (Tuesday) is a rest day.

What plays will be performed at the Appreciation Class?

Three plays: 'Dango-uri', 'Introduction to Bunraku', and 'Hachimangu-cho no Okido' from 'Double Butterflies: Diary of a Warrior's Wife'.

How much are the tickets for the Appreciation Class?

All seats are uniformly priced at 4,200 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for students. A disability discount (20% off) also applies.

Can beginners enjoy Bunraku?

Yes. There are easy-to-understand explanations about Bunraku, free pamphlets and booklets, and Japanese subtitles displayed above the stage, making it enjoyable for beginners.

What is the 'Bunraku for Adults' performance?

It is a special performance held on June 7 and 14, featuring demonstrations and explanations by narrators and shamisen players in addition to the usual explanations. Note that 'Dango-uri' will not be performed.

[National Bunraku Theatre] Information on June Bunraku Appreciation Class

Published May 25, 2026 9:12 PM ・ Updated Jun 14, 2026 4:57 AM ・ 7 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

The National Bunraku Theatre will host a "Bunraku Appreciation Class" for beginners from June 4th to 18th. The program features performances of "Dango Uri" and "Futatsu Chochokuruwa Nikki" with explanations, supported by Japanese subtitles and free program pamphlets.

Bunraku Appreciation Class (National Bunraku Theatre)

The Bunraku Appreciation Class, held from June 4th (Thu) to 18th (Thu), is designed for those experiencing Bunraku for the first time. Enjoy an easy-to-understand explanation of Bunraku along with masterpiece performances.

Free program pamphlets, including cast information, scripts, and summarized manga storylines, as well as a small booklet "Introduction to Bunraku - Appreciation Guide," will be provided. Japanese subtitles will be displayed at the top of the stage during the performance.

This year's repertoire includes "Dango Uri," a dance wishing for the prosperity of descendants, and the "Hachimanzato Hikimado no Dan" act from the masterpiece "Futatsu Chochokuruwa Nikki," which depicts family conflict between duty and human emotion.

### ◆ "Dango Uri" (The Dumpling Vendor) A happily married couple who are dumpling vendors, walking around the town of Edo in search of customers, dance a rhythmic performance wishing for the prosperity of their descendants, using their pestle and mortar as metaphors for their relationship. The powerful performance by the chanter (Tayu) and shamisen player, combined with the rhythmic puppet dance, makes for a delightful stage. *Note: "Dango Uri" will not be performed during the "Introduction to Bunraku for Adults" sessions on June 7 (Sun) and 14 (Sun).

### ◇ Explanation: Welcome to Bunraku Bunraku is a stage art created through the integration of three elements: the chanter (Tayu), the shamisen player, and the puppet operator. A puppet operator who actually performs on stage will introduce the charms of "Ningyo Joruri Bunraku" with live demonstrations. *Note: During the "Introduction to Bunraku for Adults" sessions on June 7 (Sun) and 14 (Sun), there will be performances and explanations by the chanter and shamisen player in addition to the puppet operator.

### ◆ "Futatsu Chochokuruwa Nikki" (Diary of Two Butterflies in the Pleasure Quarter): Hachimanzato Hikimado no Dan In Hachiman Village, near Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine in Kyoto. On the eve of the Iwashimizu Hojo-e festival, popular sumo wrestler Nuregami Chogoro visits his real mother. He is currently on the run after killing two samurai to protect his benefactor. His mother, unaware of the situation, welcomes him. Just then, her stepson, Nan Yohei, returns from the local government office, having been appointed as a magistrate, and is ordered to arrest Chogoro as his first official duty. Yohei, unaware that Chogoro is his mother's real son, intends to capture him, but his wife gently reprimands him. Realizing the situation through his mother's desperation to protect Chogoro, Yohei hints at his willingness to let him go. Chogoro, prepared to be caught, persuades his mother to let Yohei arrest him so that Yohei can earn merit for his new position. As the mother ties her son with the pull-cord of the hikimado (skylight) to hand him over, what happens next...

### ◆ Performance Period June 4 (Thu) - June 18 (Thu) Morning session: 10:30 / Afternoon session: 14:00 *June 7 (Sun) and 14 (Sun) are "Introduction to Bunraku for Adults" (Morning: 11:00 / Afternoon: 14:30) *Closed on June 9 (Tue)

### ◆ Fee (All seats uniform, tax included) General: 4,200 yen / Student: 1,600 yen *20% discount for people with disabilities and one caregiver

### ◆ Ticket Reservation National Theatre Ticket Center: 0570-07-9900 / 03-3230-3000 Online reservation: https://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/

Details: https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/schedule/bunraku/2026/0806bunraku/

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event

[National Bunraku Theatre] Information on June Bunraku Appreciation Class

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Bunraku Appreciation Class (National Bunraku Theatre)

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