Where to buy bunraku puppets?

Normally, I would add a disclaimer that I’m writing for Aussies only, but this question/answer actually applies to people no matter where you are.

Ningyo joruri (bunraku) puppets are highly specialised objects, and since this particular type of puppet is traditional only to Japan, it’s unlikely that you will find many, if any, bunraku puppets for sale outside of that country. Having read some online forums, it’s even clear that the Japanese general public have difficulty buying them. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that traditional bunraku puppets are simply not sold; kind of like how you can’t buy the Great Wall of China… in other words, it’s a national treasure, and therefore the puppets are kept closely to those who work with them. (After doing a bunraku masterclass with a professional Japanese bunraku maker and performer, I think it’s safe to say that you could have them commissioned, but won’t find them on sale anywhere. And I think it’s safe to say that you would only be able to have them commissioned by Japanese bunraku makers, since they are the only ones who seem to be taught the traditional methods, unless you do masterclasses like I did! Even the word ‘bunraku‘ is copyrighted, like some French wines and cheeses)

UPDATE: I have found an antique dealer that sells the occasional bunraku puppet. Check the rest of their site for more listings. They are based in Kyoto, Japan. Be careful to read which puppets have already been sold, and which are still available. I do not know whether this is a reliable or trustworthy seller; buyer beware.

However, puppet makers around the world do use similar building techniques, and modern bunraku puppets can be found. They probably won’t be like the traditional Japanese versions, but they will be similar in style and method of operation. Your best bet is to either: commission someone to make one; or to learn how to make one yourself.

Within Australia, there are very few places you could learn to make a modern bunraku puppet, but it’s best to start at VCA or Swinburne in Melbourne - at the only courses in Australia that offer puppetry (Swin. does not offer a course, but does offer components in their theatre full-time course). Outside of that, you can contact your local puppetry company or maker, and see what is on offer near you. Most places will teach you rod puppetry, but not the specific bunraku craft.

Outside of that, and for those overseas, there are a number of small bunraku companies - mainly in America - that offer training and classes. However, Japan is probably the best place to start learning; and naturally, competition for placement would be high, and more than likely restricted to Japanese residents only - and there are no courses to learn from in Japan.

As for making your own, there are a number of things you can check out on the net. Puppet Building.com has some excellent videos on bunraku, and my explanation on this type of puppet can help you find more information on them. Unfortunately, very few online tutorials exist for making bunraku puppets. A few videos can be found, but not of the making from start to finish, only for wrist controls.

I have taken a short course on making bunraku heads, and if anyone in Australia would like me to make one, please let me know. I can and do take commissions (see my About page for more info). UPDATE: You can now see a video of my first ever bunraku puppet here.

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