On Nov. 7, 2003, bunraku was recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage. The award cited the unique nature of Japan's indigenous puppet theater, and praised the realism with which it portrays human emotions.
Bunraku has a long and varied history. Called ningyo joruri (literally, "puppet theater") from the late 16th century through the 19th century, bunraku uses sophisticated techniques whereby each puppet in a leading role is manipulated by a team of three men. Narration and dialogue are provided separately, to the accompaniment of a shamisen.
In a bunraku performance, the omozukai (principal puppeteer) controls the right hand of the puppet with his right hand and, from under the back of the puppet's sash, uses his left hand to hold a short wooden stick, the dogushi, that supports the puppet's head. His left arm is thus the "spine" of the puppet, and expressions on the puppet's face are controlled by manipulating with the fingers of the left hand a spring set in the dogushi.