Awa Ningyo Joruri Puppet Theater

Awa Ningyo Jyoruri (Puppet Theater), a long-beloved form of entertainment by common people, is said to have first originated on Awaji Island in the end of the 16th century. Although puppet theater is a traditional cultural art that is rooted all throughout Japan, it is special to Tokushima, as it was actively performed in the area due to support of the feudal lord HACHISUKA during the Edo period. In fact, Tokushima is home to the most number of original, remaining rural stages (Noson theaters) in all of Japan, and even today, performances are regularly held at these various rural theaters.

Many expert craftsmen of the dolls (particularly of the doll heads) have come from Tokushima, and orders for new heads or repairs for the puppets come from all over the country to Tokushima. Awa Ningyo Joruri (Puppet Theater) has also been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Tokushima City is also home to a permanent puppet theater so you can experience captivating performances at any time.

This theater is located on the grounds of BANDO Jurobei’s previous residence, and is known for the play “Keisei Awa no Naruto (a tragedy of Tokushima).” There is also an exhibit room here that displays various wooden Awa-deko puppets and other materials.

• Location: Miyajima-honura, Kawauchi-cho, Tokushima City
• Performance schedule: Every day from 11:00~ and 14:00~. (From Aug. 11-16, there are plays performed starting at 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:00)
• Contact: 088-665-2202

Opposite of the Awa Jorobe Yashiki Puppet Theater is the Awa-deko Puppet Museum, where you can find many wooden puppets on display. You may also have the chance hear interesting stories about the production and playing method of the puppets from the museum director, “Ningyo Ken” while you’re here.

• Location: Miyajima-honura, Kawauchi-cho, Tokushima City
• Contact: 088-665-5600

• General puppet display
• Explanation on the production of the puppet heads
• Explanation on how to move and play the puppet heads
• Recorded video of a puppet theater performance
• Display of the largest puppet head in the world
• Shop that sells, repairs, and restores wooden puppets