Theatres

Osaka: National Bunraku Theatre

The National Bunraku Theatre (731 seats) with stage equipment specially for Bunraku is located in its birthplace of Osaka. Major productions generally run in January, April, July–August, and November. In June, performances for beginners are held with explanations provided. At the theatre, you will find materials that explain the history of Bunraku as well as exhibition space for puppets and instruments.
 
Address: 1-12-10 Nippon-bashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0073

  

Tokyo: National Theatre, Small Theatre

*National Theatre is closed for the “National Theatre Reconstruction Project - Towards a New Adventure -” from the end of October 2023.
 
The Small Theatre (560 seats) of the National Theatre in Tokyo is also equipped with stage equipment specially for Bunraku. Major productions of Bunraku generally run in February, May, September, and December. In December, performances for beginners are held with explanations provided.
 
Address: 4-1 Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8656

  

Buying tickets

Tickets for the National Bunraku Theatre and the National Theatre productions may be reserved and purchased online or by telephone. They may also be purchased directly at the Box Office of the National Bunraku Theatre.
 
Online: National Theatre Ticket Centre,
•Japanese
https://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/
•English
https://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/top_e.htm
 
Telephone: National Theatre Ticket Centre,
0570-07-9900 / 03-3230-3000
 
Tickets may be purchased for both National Bunraku Theatre and National Theatre productions.

Selecting seats

Bunraku can be fully appreciated no matter where you are seated. If you would like a good view of the dolls' movements, we recommend selecting a seat closer to the stage. If you would like to focus on the narrator's recitation or the Shamisen music, we recommend selecting a seat close to the narrators' platform (yuka).

Membership associations

For people who wish to fully appreciate Bunraku, viewing associations called the National Bunraku Theatre Tomo-no-kai and Azekura-kai have been established in Osaka and Tokyo, respectively.
They offer a range of deals and services, including ticket discounts, member-only seminars and events, and the distribution of information-filled newsletters.