Tonda Puppetry

Inaugurated in 1835. Origins trace back to when a puppet troupe from Awa (Tokushima) travelled to this area. Unable to perform due to heavy snow, they left their puppets behind as compensation for travel expenses and local people began to practice with these puppets. Waves of exchange continue through this traditional performing art by accepting foreign exchange students and promoting the art to local elementary students while also taking on new challenges such as collaborating with opera.