Japanese Literary Awards

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Kanjuro Kiritake

きりたけ かんじゅうろう

Kiritake Kanjuro

Pen Names: Toyomi Miyanaga（Birth name）, Yoshida Minotarō（Stage name used during apprenticeship as a Bunraku research student）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1953-03-01 （Osaka, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese
Residence History
Osaka, Japan → Kyoto, Japan

Career

Occupations
Bunraku puppet master, Artist, Visiting professor
Active Years
1967-
Affiliations
Bunraku-za, Bunraku Association, Kyoto Bunkyo University (Visiting Professor)
Influenced By
Kanjuro Kiritake (2nd generation), Minosuke Yoshida
Influenced
Next-generation Bunraku puppet masters

Education

Bunraku Association
Puppet department research student
Period: 1967–1968
Year of Graduation: 1968
Country: Japan
Apprenticed to Minosuke Yoshida and made his first stage appearance in April 1968.

Awards

Arts Encouragement Prize (Minister of Education Award)
2008
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs / MEXT
Result: 受賞
Medal with Purple Ribbon
2008
Organization: Cabinet Office
Result: 受章
Japan Art Academy Award
2010
Organization: Japan Art Academy
Result: 受賞
Osaka Culture Award
2012
Organization: Osaka City
Result: 受賞
Mainichi Art Award
2016
Organization: Mainichi Shimbun
Result: 受賞
Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Bunraku puppet)
2021
Organization: Council for Cultural Affairs / MEXT
Result: 認定

Awards & Nominations

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Realistic puppet manipulation grounded in Bunraku tradition with precise recitationMultifaceted techniques incorporating both male and female puppet-role expression
Recurring Motifs
Subtle puppet gesturesCoexistence of tradition and innovationProminence of male-role (tachiyaku) performance

Legacy

As a Bunraku puppet master, he has balanced preservation of traditional techniques with original expression, earning wide recognition including designation as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). He contributes to training younger artists through performances and education.

Trivia

  • The stage name "Kanjuro Kiritake" is hereditary and has been held by at least three generations.
  • The 3rd Kanjuro Kiritake was born on 1953-03-01 in Osaka.
  • The 3rd generation has served as a visiting professor at Kyoto Bunkyo University.
  • He was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (a "Living National Treasure") in 2021.
  • The 2nd generation was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1982.
  • His sister is actress 三林京子.