Traditional Japanese Puppetry Demo

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a master Japanese artist at eight public libraries statewide! Join Koryu Nishikawa V, a 5th generation Master Puppeteer of the Kuruma Ningyō style, for a free Workshop in Traditional Japanese Puppetry.

Kuruma Ningyō is the 160-year-old form of puppetry related to the three-person style of Bunraku. However, in Kuruma Ningyō, a puppet is operated by a single puppeteer sitting on a small wheeled cart. The puppeteer uses his hands and feet to manipulate the puppet’s arms, legs and head, all while rolling about the stage on the cart.

Assisting Master Nishikawa will be Tom Lee, Director, Designer, Puppet Artist, and former Mililani resident, who has appeared in War Horse on Broadway and in Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera. Participants can get up close to see the beautiful traditional Japanese puppets and watch how they are brought to life through skillful puppetry technique.

The UH-Manoa Outreach College’s Statewide Cultural Extension Program is sponsoring this workshop along with the Hawaii State Public Libraries System. Additional funding and support are provided by the Performing Arts Presenters of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.