Cultural Properties

The Awaji Ningyo Joruri (Awaji Puppet Narrative, National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property), whose origin is said to be the Ebisu-mai (Dance of the Fishing and Shipping Deity) and linked to the Kuniumi Story, is the representative performing art of Awaji Island. It is performed with 3-puppeteer puppets, a gidayu (reciter), and a thick-neck shamisen. In the golden era of ningyo joruri, in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868), there were at least 40 troupes, and its appeal reached people all over Japan. Minamiawaji City’s Awaji Puppet Theater offers a window into the essence of Edo period culture.