The Awaji Ningyo Joruri (Awaji Puppet Narrative, National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property), said to be the origin of the Ebisu-mai (Dance of the Fishing and Shipping Kami), also linked to the Kuniumi Story , is the performing art representative of Awaji Island, and is performed with 3-puppeteer puppets, gidayu (chanter), and thick-neck shamisen. In the golden era of ningyo joruri, in the mid-Edo period, there were at least 40 troupes, and its appeal reached people all over Japan. Minamiawaji City’s Awaji Puppet Theatre offers a window into the essence of Edo period culture.