About
In a corner of Ningyocho, on the edge of a quiet alley, stands a particularly eye-catching monument. This is the work titled “The Whale, the Sea, and Ningyocho” by Hiroshi Matsuhashi and Koji Nakata. As if symbolizing the deeply rooted history and culture of this area, the figure of the whale is elegantly expressed.
During the Edo period, this neighborhood was lined with playhouses and puppet theater stages, serving as the center of entertainment for common people. Prestigious kabuki theaters such as Ichimuraza and Nakamuraza stood side by side, while puppet theater stages like Yuukiza and Satsumaza also thrived. The intricate movements of the puppets used in these theaters were supported by springs made from whale baleen. The elasticity and strength of whale baleen made possible the smooth movements of the puppets’ heads and limbs, captivating audiences.
Because of this background, Ningyocho and whales are deeply connected. The whale in the monument appears as if it is emerging from the sea, quietly watching over the bustle of days gone by. Its form silently tells the story of the once lively playhouses and the painstaking work of the puppet makers.
The name Ningyocho derives from the many puppet makers and puppet merchants who gathered here. In 1933 (Showa 8), the name “Ningyocho” was officially established, but its history goes back even further. Since the early Edo period, this area flourished as a center for puppet making, with shops selling hina dolls and hand toys lining the streets. People would pick up dolls here, adding color to seasonal festivals and celebrations.
Beside the monument, an explanatory plaque has been installed, detailing the connection between “The Whale, the Sea, and Ningyocho.” Even today, whale baleen is used for the springs in marionettes, and it is said that the delicate movements of bunraku puppet heads can only be achieved with the resilient whale baleen. Along with the history of this area as a theater town, the origin of the name Ningyocho and its deep connection with whales are recounted.
Modern Ningyocho, though now a part of the city lined with high-rise buildings, continues to cherish these historical remnants. The whale of the monument, as a symbol linking past and present, quietly conveys the rich culture and history of this place to visitors. Its form seems to reflect the unchanging spirit of Ningyocho across the ages.