We meet Takemoto Oritayu in Kobe, to talk to him for the third series of exploring the profound charm of Bunraku. Located east of the bustling Sannomiya (三宮) and Motomachi (元町) districts, the Okamoto (岡本) area is a quiet residential neighbourhood, home to several universities and a vibrant student community. For Oritayu, this town holds unforgettable memories. Though he rarely takes the train, he arrived at Okamoto Station via the Hankyu Railway. What memories does this place hold for him?

This is a series of articles by Tayu Takemoto Oritayu (竹本織太夫) on the charm of Bunraku (文楽), a traditional performing art born in Osaka. This time we spoke to Oritayu in Nakanoshima (中之島), a place with which he is very familiar. The river and greenery make it a relaxing place, an oasis in the city.

The tayu (太夫) of bunraku is impressive in kataginu (肩衣) and hakama (袴). Many audiences book seats closest to the Tayu and shamisen, just to get the best view of the classy Takemoto Oritayu. Oritayu is also known to be stylish in his everyday clothes, which are different from his stage costumes!　This time, we looked at his outfit when he attended the 'Ceremonial grave visit for Toyotake Wakatayu (豊竹若太夫) I and prayers for the success of his performances' held at Honkyoji (本経寺) Temple near the National Bunraku Theatre.

Have you ever seen Bunraku (文楽)?　Bunraku is a traditional performing art born in Osaka. Bunraku is a puppet show, unique in the world, in which three puppeteers manipulate a single puppet and the tayu performer (太夫) tells the story with shamisen (三味線) accompaniment. When you step onto the stage, you are surprised by the dynamic and delicate expressions. However, those unfamiliar with Bunraku may have the impression that it is difficult to understand. We have therefore decided to start a series of articles, 'Practice of Bunraku: season by season', to explain the charms of Bunraku, with Takemoto Oritayu (竹本織太夫) VI, an active tayu performer, as our guide. In the first installment, we asked him about his journey until now.