Waseda Puppet Theater

About this event

A traditional performing art handed down in Anan Town, Nagano Prefecture, 'Waseda Puppet Theater' is a puppet show strongly retaining its original spirit of serving the gods. In particular, during the dedicatory performance held at Waseda Shrine every year on the fourth Sunday of August, 'Sanbaso' is dedicated to pray for good health and ward off illness. Mothers holding unweaned infants visiting the deity for the first time ascend the shrine hall to dedicate Sanbaso to the accompaniment of flutes and drums before Shinto priests and parishioner representatives, which most prominently showcases the characteristics of this puppet show. The puppet dedicated together with the mother faces the deity directly and never turns its back. The three puppeteers express their spirit of service to the gods wearing white formal vestments of kamishimo and hakama, and later showcase the theatrical performance on stage dressed in black robes and black hoods (kurogo). In recent years, students from Anan Daiichi Junior High School have performed this piece, demonstrating the passing down of tradition and ties with the local community. Around 2:00 PM, with the sound of wooden clappers (hyoshigi), the puppet peeks its face from the edge of the curtain, and the main performance begins to the accompaniment of shamisen and joruri chanting. In addition, on the second Sunday of January, a doll send-off ritual (kamiokuri) is also held, strongly reflecting folk beliefs.

Venue

Waseda Shrine

2080 Saijo, Anan, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-1504