Joruri

Joruri is narrative chanting accompanied by a Shamisen, which is a three-stringed instrument. The name Joruri comes from a Muromachi period (1333 - 1568) story about the romance between a young samurai named Ushiwakamaru and a princess named Joruri. Since then, new stories that were chanted in this style became known as Joruri. In the late 16th century, the art of puppetry was combined with Joruri to create Ningyo (doll) Joruri. Bunraku, considered one of the most refined styles of puppet dramas in the world, is one style of Ningyo Joruri performed by professional puppet players.