Moved by the Event of Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo and Geisha at Kagurazaka Ryotei Yukimoto

On Saturday, May 25th, the 16th edition of “Kagura Goyomi,” featuring Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo, was held at Kagurazaka Ryotei Yukimoto. This regular event, hosted by Yukimoto, delves into Japanese culture each season. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy both traditional Japanese culture and the performances of Kagurazaka geisha.

Deeply Moved by the Event of Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo and Geisha at Kagurazaka Ryotei Yukimoto

This was my first time attending a “Kagura Goyomi” event, and I was deeply moved by every aspect of it. The exquisite craftsmanship of the Kuruma Ningyo puppeteers, the elegance of the geisha’s dance and shamisen performances, the impeccable hospitality of Yukimoto, and the delicious food—all of these elements came together to create an overwhelming experience. The Kuruma Ningyo performances ranged from classical Japanese puppet theater to modern arrangements with flamenco puppets, all of which were outstanding and left a lasting impression.

The next “Kagura Goyomi” is scheduled for July, and I am eagerly looking forward to attending again. This is an event that I hope many foreigners, as well as Japanese people, will have the chance to experience.

Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo: An Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property

The Japanese government has designated Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It features unique performances where a single puppeteer operates a bunraku-style puppet from a small cart. The head of the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo troupe is Koryu Nishikawa. The troupe collaborates with various performing arts, including performances with Tsuruga Wakasanojo, a living national treasure residing in Kagurazaka, featuring Shinnai-bushi, Rakugo, and ballet. They are active internationally and are also dedicated to educating the next generation of artists.

From August 3rd to August 6th, 2024, the Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo troupe will hold a performance at Za Koenji (2-1-2 Koenji-kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo) in collaboration with Tom Lee, a puppet artist based in Chicago. The performance will combine traditional Kuruma Ningyo techniques with video and music. Tom Lee has an impressive resume, including performing in the Tony Award-winning Broadway show “War Horse.” This puppet play, which explores works like “Rashomon” and “Hell Screen” by the writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa from a Western cultural perspective, had sold-out performances in five cities across North America in 2023, making its Japanese debut this time.

Hoping More People Learn About “Kagura Goyomi” and Experience Japanese Traditional Culture

The Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo and geisha I experienced at this “Kagura Goyomi” at Kagurazaka Ryotei Yukimoto may not be widely known among many Japanese people. However, the profound emotional impact of actually experiencing them is unforgettable and will be a lifetime memory.

I am deeply grateful to Ms. Terada, the proprietress of Kagurazaka Ryotei Yukimoto, who regularly organizes such wonderful “Kagura Goyomi” events that introduce Japanese traditional culture. I sincerely hope that more people will learn about this event and have the opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture.