On September 12th (Sat) and 13th (Sun), 2026, the traditional performing art "Anori Puppet Theater," which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, will be performed at the Anori Puppet Theater Stage (on the grounds of Anori Shrine).
Shima City's "Anori Puppet Show" is a traditional folk performing art that has been passed down as a sacred puppet show dedicated to the festivals of Anori Shrine, and was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 55.
The origin of puppet theater is said to be as follows.
``In the first year of the Bunroku era, when Yoshitaka Kuki, the ruler of Shima Province, was participating in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea (Bunroku no Eki), when he approached the coast of Anori, a sudden headwind blew and his ship stopped. .When Yoshitaka visited Anori Shrine and prayed for victory, the direction of the wind changed and the ship was able to set sail safely on the tailwind.Then, Yoshitaka, who had achieved military exploits in the war, visited Anori Shrine again to pray. When I visited there, the villagers warmly welcomed me with hand dances and various other performing arts.
The performing arts permitted by Yoshitaka at this time went through many changes and have been handed down as Anori's puppet shows.
The festival was temporarily suspended due to the economic depression at the end of the Taisho period and the war in the Showa period, but was revived in 26 thanks to the wishes and cooperation of the villagers and has continued to this day.
| Date | October 2026th (Sat) and 9th (Sun), 12 Show starts at 6:30pm *Sanbaso performance starts at 5 p.m. |
| Event Place | Anori Puppet Show Stage (Anori Shrine Precincts) |
| Organizer | Anori Shrine/Anori Puppet Play Preservation Society |
September 12th (Sat), 5:9 PM: Sanbaso performance at Anori Shrine.
September 9th, 12:6pm start
*There will be a dance during the intermission.
Tokai Junior High School Local Performing Arts Club
Anori Puppet Theater Preservation Society
Anori Junior High School Bunraku Club Alumni
Tokai Junior High School Local Performing Arts Club Alumni
Kaori Sanaka
Tomokazu Takemoto
September 13th (Sunday), 5:9 PM: Sanbaso performance at Anori Shrine.
Show starts at 9:14pm on September 6th
*There will be a dance during the intermission.
Anori Puppet Theater Preservation Society
Nagano Shiju
Tomokazu Takemoto
Anori Puppet Theater Preservation Society
Kaori Sanaka
Tomokazu Takemoto
Anori Puppet Theater Preservation Society
Nagano Shigehisa
Tomokazu Takemoto
