Joruri is a traditional form of Japanese narrative music performed with the accompaniment of a shamisen (a three-stringed instrument). This art form dates back to the 15th century and has evolved over centuries to become one of Japan’s most cherished cultural expressions. Among its various forms, Ningyo Joruri, or puppet theater, has gained widespread recognition as a rich and complex art form. Joruri is often compared to other traditional Japanese theater forms such as Kabuki, with which it shares a deep historical connection.
What is Joruri?
Joruri is a narrative performance in which a tayu (narrator) tells a story accompanied by the shamisen. The roots of Joruri can be traced back to the Biwa Hoshi (lute priests) of the 15th century, who performed epic tales with the accompaniment of the biwa. The term “Joruri” comes from the popular love story of Lady Joruri and the warrior Yoshitsune, which captivated audiences during this period. The performance style eventually incorporated the shamisen and evolved into a distinct form of musical storytelling.
The History of Joruri
The development of Joruri coincided with the introduction of the shamisen in Japan in the late 16th century. As the shamisen became more widely used, Joruri performances shifted from the biwa to this new instrument, which allowed for greater versatility in musical expression. By the early Edo period, professional narrators and shamisen players had emerged, bringing new sophistication to the art.
In the early 17th century, Joruri became closely linked with Ningyo Joruri, or puppet theater. This form of storytelling combined music, narrative, and puppetry, giving rise to a new form of dramatic performance. The collaboration between master tayu Takemoto Gidayu (1651–1714) and playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653–1724) led to the creation of some of the most famous Joruri plays, including Sonezaki Shinju and Chushingura.
Ningyo Joruri: Puppet Theater
Ningyo Joruri, or puppet Joruri, is a form of Japanese theater that combines the narration of Joruri with the artistry of puppet manipulation. Each performance involves three key performers: the tayu, who narrates the story; the shamisen player, who provides musical accompaniment; and the puppet operators, who bring the characters to life. These three elements—narration, music, and puppetry—work in harmony to create a unique and powerful theatrical experience.
Ningyo Joruri reached its peak in popularity during the Edo period, with puppet performances rivaling Kabuki in terms of popularity. The art form is known for its elaborate and expressive puppets, some of which are operated by three puppeteers—one controlling the head and right arm, another the left arm, and the third controlling the legs. The seamless coordination of the puppeteers brings a remarkable sense of life and emotion to the inanimate figures.
Joruri vs. Bunraku
Bunraku is the modern name for Ningyo Joruri, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. While Joruri refers specifically to the narrative and musical aspect of the performance, Bunraku emphasizes the puppetry. The name “Bunraku” comes from Uemura Bunrakuken, a 19th-century puppeteer who helped popularize the art form by opening a theater in Osaka called the Bunrakuza.
The distinction between Joruri and Bunraku is subtle, but important. While all Bunraku performances include Joruri, not all Joruri involves puppetry. In essence, Joruri is the narrative art, and Bunraku is the puppet theater that emerged from this tradition.
Joruri and Kabuki
Joruri and Kabuki share a close historical relationship, with both art forms influencing each other over time. Many famous Kabuki plays, including Chushingura and Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura, originated as Joruri performances. When Joruri became extremely popular in the Edo period, Kabuki actors began to adapt these puppet dramas for the live stage, adding their own flair and physicality to the performances.
Kabuki continues to incorporate Joruri-style narration in some performances, especially in plays that require heightened emotional expression. The shamisen accompaniment and the distinct rhythmic patterns of Joruri are also evident in Kabuki music.
The Music of Joruri
Music plays a central role in Joruri, providing emotional depth and enhancing the storytelling. The primary instrument used in Joruri is the shamisen, a three-stringed lute-like instrument. The shamisen used in Joruri is called the Gidayu shamisen, which is larger and produces a deeper, more resonant sound than the shamisen used in other genres. The music is characterized by its wide range of expression, from delicate plucking to strong, rhythmic strumming.
The narrator, or tayu, and the shamisen player must work in perfect synchronization. The tayu’s voice tells the story, while the shamisen player punctuates the narration with dynamic musical interludes. The shamisen does more than simply accompany the narration—it sets the tone of the story, conveying emotions such as sorrow, tension, joy, or suspense.
Instruments Used in Joruri
The primary instrument used in Joruri is the Gidayu shamisen, which is notable for its large body and thick strings. The shamisen player uses a bachi (plectrum) to strike and pluck the strings, producing a wide variety of sounds, from deep, resonant tones to soft, delicate melodies. The bachi allows the player to achieve a full range of dynamics, essential for enhancing the emotional impact of the performance.
In addition to the shamisen, some Joruri performances may include additional percussion instruments, such as taiko drums or kotsuzumi (small hand drums), depending on the scene or the atmosphere being created.
Famous Joruri Plays
Several Joruri plays have become part of Japan’s cultural canon and are still performed today. Among the most famous are:
Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (The Mirror of Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy)
This play is based on the life of Sugawara no Michizane, a revered scholar and politician. The story revolves around themes of loyalty, betrayal, and supernatural retribution. It has been adapted into both Joruri and Kabuki performances.
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
This epic play recounts the legendary exploits of the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his retainer, Benkei. It is one of the most popular Joruri plays and is also frequently performed in Kabuki.
Kanadehon Chushingura (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers)
One of the most famous works in both Joruri and Kabuki, this play tells the story of the 47 ronin who avenged their master’s death. The play is a tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and honor, and remains a staple of traditional Japanese theater.
Conclusion
Joruri, with its rich blend of narrative, music, and puppetry, represents a unique and integral part of Japan’s cultural heritage. Whether through the dramatic tension of the tayu’s voice or the rhythmic precision of the shamisen, Joruri captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling. Ningyo Joruri, in particular, continues to inspire admiration for the remarkable skill of the performers who bring both the characters and the music to life. Today, Joruri remains a timeless art form, bridging the past with the present and offering a window into Japan’s theatrical traditions.
