Bunraku
The Borderline Between Celebratory Rituals and the Change of Generations Kodama Ryuichi In bunraku puppet theater in 2019, one of the biggest events was the designation of narrator Toyotake Sakitayu as an Intangible Cultural Property or “Living National Treasure� by the Japanese National Cultural Agency. This is, of course, a sign of honor, but is 065
also intended to support artists in the traditional arts so that they can pass on their skills to the next generation. At present, in bunraku, shamisen player Tsuruzawa Seiji, puppeteers Yoshida Minosuke and Yoshida Kazuo are Living National Treasures. Among narrators, Toyotake Shimatayu has been designated a Living National Treasure, but has retired from the stage. That means that Sakitayu will be the only narrator who is a Living National Treasure who is still performing on stage. The Japanese government gives the designation of Living National Treasure, but there is another honor that comes from within the bunraku world. Although Sakitayu has just been designated a Living National Treasure, he has long been a kiriba gatari, narrator for kiriba (final climax of a scene). In fact, at present, he is the only narrator with this designation. Theatre in Japan
Theatre Yearbook 2020
