Don't let me tell you it's old-fashioned! A fun Sagami puppet play to watch, do, and create.

Visit, see and feel the world of art
File.23 Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center “Sagami Puppet Play Tournament”
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)

I'm interested in ``traditional performing arts,'' but somehow I had the impression that they were lofty and unapproachable.
However, when I see Kagura and puppet shows at local festivals, I get the feeling that people are having fun casually, and I feel jealous.
When I was thinking about this, I learned that there is a region in Kanagawa Prefecture where a folk performing art called ``Sagami Puppet Show'' has been passed down, and that it is enjoyed by people of all generations. You have to try this!
So, I immediately visited the rehearsal room.

Currently active are Shimonaka-za (Odawara City), Hase-za (Atsugi City), and Hayashi-za (Atsugi City), which have been designated as important intangible folk cultural properties by the country, and Maejima-za (which has been designated by the prefecture). Hiratsuka City), Ashigaraza (Minamiashigara City). In February, the ``Sagami Puppet Show'' will be held, bringing together these five troupes.

This time we visited Shimonakaza, which is based in Kotake, Odawara City. It is one of the most active groups among the five troupes, and its 35 members range in age from teenagers to those in their 80s.
Additionally, while many groups limit their members to locals, Shimonakaza is open to all who wish to perform, and some members are said to come from Hachioji, Tokyo, drawn to puppet theater. I became more and more interested in the Sagami Puppet Show.

Sagami puppet shows, like bunraku, are basically performed by three people using a single puppet. The person who uses the neck and right hand is the ``main messenger.'' The left hand is controlled by the ``left hand,'' and both legs are controlled by the ``ashi user.'' The master guides the doll's movements with a clear intention, but since he cannot give instructions verbally, it is important for the three people to work in unison.

Chair Mineko Hayashi, while working on Sagami Puppet Show as a researcher, developed a sense of crisis, thinking, ``If things continue as they are, they might disappear.'' She took over as chair and has focused her efforts on training successors. As a result of these efforts, we have created an environment that is easy for young people to join and grow, such as by collaborating with Ninomiya Prefectural High School's Sagami Doll Club.

``It seems to be very refreshing for the younger generation.They have never thought that they could manipulate a doll that is a cultural property with their own hands, so I think they will be surprised when they actually try it (lol). Each of them has their own individuality, but there are also young men in Shimonakaza, so I would like to actively perform period pieces.The movements are dynamic and easy to understand, so you can enjoy it even if you have no prior knowledge.''

What I was able to observe was a rehearsal for the new work, ``Soga Monogatari,'' rather than `` Meiboku Sendai Hagi,'' which will be performed at the Sagami Puppet Theater Competition. Folk performing arts have an old-fashioned image (excuse me!), but it may be a little surprising to find out that they are creating new works by themselves.
On this day, we invited Mr. Minjiro Yoshida of Bunraku-za, who gave us advice on the production of a new production, as well as guidance on puppet management techniques.

There are apparently many differences in the way the puppets are used between Bunraku-za in Osaka culture and Sagami Puppet Theater Shimonakaza in Edo culture, even in the same three-person puppet play. It seems that he will advise you to be careful so that this does not happen.

I'm looking forward to ``Kyara Sendai Hagi,'' which will be performed at the Sagami Puppet Theater Competition in February, but I'm also curious about the new work that he has been working on for three years. I can't wait for the release in spring.

Catch a promising young girl during the break! There are various reasons for participating, such as meeting elementary school students at a hands-on class, or watching senior students use puppets and thinking, ``That's cool!'' What they all have in common is a simple thought: ``It was fun to perform.''
``I went in thinking that I might have a chance because there weren't many people there, but it turned out to be more fun than I expected (lol).It's been going on for a long time.''
With a carefree smile, he showed us the ``kashira'' of ``nashiwari.''

When it cracks open from the forehead, the inside is bright red and the eyeballs are spinning...
It seems that it is the ``kashira'' of the so-called ``cutting role'', but you will be surprised when it suddenly cracks open. But even though it's grotesque, there's something humorous about it, so I couldn't help but laugh.

Folk performing arts, which I had assumed were ``difficult to enter,'' actually seem to be a very approachable world. First of all, you should see the performance in February, when all five theaters will come together. If that freaks me out, I might try aiming to be on stage next year.

This event has ended.
47th Sagami Puppet Play Tournament
[Date and time] February 11, 2020 (Tuesday/Holiday) 12:30 (Doors open at 12:00, scheduled to end at 16:35)
[Venue] Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Hall
[Capacity] 750 people
[Fee] Free (advance application required)
[How to apply] Please fill out the necessary information below on one return postcard and send it to the address you are applying to. Up to two people can apply at the same time using one postcard. If there are many applications, a lottery will be held. Responses are scheduled to be sent in late January. Return postcards will be used as admission tickets (reserved seats), so please bring them with you to the venue on the day of the event.
●Postal code
●Address
●Name
●Telephone number
●Number of participants (up to 2 people possible)
●Participant name
●Please apply by writing a return address (reply side) and sending a return postcard.
[Address] Odawara City Cultural Properties Division, 300 Ogikubo, Odawara City, 250-8555
[Application deadline] January 15th (Wednesday) *Postmark valid (multiple lottery)
[Sponsor] Sagami Puppet Theater Association Secretariat (Odawara City Cultural Properties Division)
[Inquiries] 0465-33-1717〈Sagami Puppet Theater Association Secretariat (Odawara City Cultural Properties Division)〉