🤹PUK Puppet Theatre (人形劇団プーク)
PUK Puppet Theatre is a charming, historic puppet company in Tokyo that has been providing performances since 1929.
The theatre is located in Yoyogi (Shibuya), about a 7‑minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
🎥Seasonal Puppet & Story Performances at PUK
PUK offers special seasonal shows and themed puppet plays, such as “The Story Heard from the Fog and the Wind,” which delight kids with gentle narratives and creative design.
They also run puppet‑making workshops and events, giving children a chance to engage with the art form beyond the audience.
This hands‑on approach is ideal for families who want to combine watching and creating.
🎭 Bunraku Performances (Traditional Japanese Puppet Theatre)
Bunraku is a deeply traditional Japanese puppet theatre that features dramatic stories, narrated recitation, and shamisen music.
Young performers’ bunraku shows are sometimes held in Tokyo, giving children a chance to see this classic art form in an accessible way.
There are performances designed for beginners with explanations and English‑friendly programs.
✮⋆Bunraku Workshops & Interactive Puppet Events
At special events, visitors can go backstage into the world of bunraku puppetry, learning about how the puppets are made, how the shamisen works, and how narrators perform.
Some shows include mini performances or “meet the puppets” sessions, which are very engaging for kids and families.
These experiences help demystify this traditional art and make it feel much more accessible and fun.
🍥Anime Creation & Voice‑Recording Workshop (Suginami Animation Museum)
At the Suginami Animation Museum, families can go through a real animation production process.
Children (and parents) can try voice‑recording in a “post‑recording booth” to dub their own short anime scenes.
There are also weekend workshops on video‑tracing (copy‑drawing) and paper or clay animation, which make for a creative and memorable shared experience.
🍜🦊Children’s Theater & Live Stage Workshops
Beyond puppetry, Tokyo has theater workshops designed for kids. These are often part of community festivals or performing arts programs.
Some workshops involve set building, simple acting, and storytelling tailored for younger audiences, encouraging children to be part of the show.
These interactive programs are great for families who want to mix watching and participating in live performance.
💡 Tips for Families Visiting Shows in Tokyo
- Check performance schedules in advance. Puppet theatre and bunraku events don’t always run every week.
- Reserve early, especially for workshops or special events, as seats can be limited.
- Look for English‑friendly programs or guides. Some traditional performances provide audio guides or translated materials.
- Bring a camera: the puppets and sets are visually rich and very photogenic.
- Plan for rest times: live shows can be longer than children expect, so schedule some downtime before or after the performance.