Hyōshigi
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The hyōshigi is a simple Japanese musical instrument, a type of clapper, consisting of two pieces of hardwood or bamboo often connected by a thin ornamental rope. The clappers are played together or o
Hyoshigi 01
Bunraku
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Bunraku is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre, founded in Osaka in the beginning of the 17th century, which is still performed in the modern day. Three kinds of performers take part in a bu
Hyōshigi
…cracking sound. Sometimes they are struck slowly at first, then faster and faster. Hyōshigi are used in traditional Japanese theaters, such as kabuki and bunraku theater, to announce the beginning of a performance. The kyogen-kata usually plays the hyōshigi at the start of comedic plays. It can be used to attract…
The character Osono, from the play Hade Sugata Onna Maiginu (艶容女舞衣), in a performance by the Tonda Puppet Troupe of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Puppet master with female doll
Scene from Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (伊達娘恋緋鹿子) depicting Yaoya Oshichi climbing the tower
National Bunraku Theater in Osaka