Bunraku Costumes

The puppet's costumes consist of an under robe called a juban, an inner kimono, an outer jacket or outer robe, a collar, and a belt-like sash. In order to give the dolls' bodies the sensation of softness, the robes are lightly stuffed with cotton. Further, there is a hole in the back of the robes to allow the puppeteer to manipulate the dolls. For each performance, the costume masters choose costumes out of many of the same types of robes of different colors and patterns, deciding which robes to use with which puppet. The puppeteers then take part in what is called koshirae, or the dressing of the doll. Because they are used on the stage, the robes' lose their bright colors, they become soiled, and in places they are even worn out.

                 Female Bunraku Costume                       Male Bunraku Costume