Kuruma Ningyo Puppetry • Cart-style Puppetry

April 1-2, 2017 in Atlanta. Enjoy an exciting and unique performance of Kuruma Japanese puppetry! Yara Arts Group, the Center for Puppetry Arts, the Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta, and the Japan America Society of Georgia (JASG) are proud to present a beautiful Japanese puppetry tradition rarely seen in the U.S.

Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo is a 160 year old puppet company led by fifth generation Master Puppeteer Koryu Nishikawa V.   In this special, family-friendly performance, Koryu Nishikawa V and his company perform short traditional and contemporary puppetry pieces in the Kuruma Ningyo style, in which a single puppeteer sits on a small rolling cart and operates the head, arms and legs of an exquisitely carved figure.  As part of the evening, the puppetry technique is demonstrated to the audience and musician Chieko Hara explains how the 3-stringed shamisen instrument complements the puppetry.  A must-see event for anyone interested in puppetry or Japanese culture.  Introduced and moderated by American puppet artist Tom Lee.

Tickets and information online at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.

Note from JAASC: Curious how this Kuruma style of the Hachioji troupe is different from that of the Bunraku style of the Tonda Troupe, as seen in a series of performances throughout Greenville County in March 2016? The kuruma style is a single black-clad performer operating a doll that his attached to his/her entire body, while moving about the stage on a wheeled cart (rokuro-kuruma).  The bunraku style is three performers working together to carry and operate the head, face and limbs of a single puppet. Both troupes have been officially designated Intangible Cultural Assets in Japan.