Kiryu Karakuri Puppet Theater

About this event

Kiryu Karakuri Puppet Theater is a traditional performing art tracing its lineage back to the mechanical puppet theater of Takeda Izumo, which began in the early Edo period in the 2nd year of Kanbun (1662). It was introduced to Kiryu during the Meiji era and performed by local neighborhood associations until 1961 (Showa 36), then restored and revived in 1999 (Heisei 11). It is staged at the Kiryu Karakuri Puppet Theater Hall inside Yurin-kan, with regular performances held on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Admission is free. The performance repertoire changes with each season: from April to June, 'Soga Kyodai Youchi', 'Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura', and 'Hagoromo' are performed; from July to September, 'Soga Kyodai Youchi', 'Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura', and 'Ganryujima'; from October to December, 'Soga Kyodai Youchi', 'Yaoya Oshichi', and 'Ganryujima'; and from January to March, 'Soga Kyodai Youchi', 'Yaoya Oshichi', and 'Hagoromo'. In addition, realistic puppets (iki-ningyo) and related materials such as 'Ujigawa no Senjin', 'Kichijoji Koi no Hizakura', 'Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura', 'Hagoromo', and 'Ushiwaka to Benkei' are on display. There are 5 performances a day, scheduled at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. The performer is the Kiryu Karakuri Puppet Theater Preservation Society.

Venue

Kiryu Karakuri Puppet Theater Hall

1-1-38 Nakamachi, Kiryu, Gunma 376-0031