One thing every audience would find difficult is that fact that the people controlling the puppets are right out in the open, totally visible (only the master manipulator's face is visible, though. The other two faces are covered.) We are used to puppets that are controlled from under the stage or remote controlled, seemingly moving entirely of their own.

Japanese audiences, though, are not bothered by the puppeteers, the performances themselves can be very elaborate, the movement of the puppets very precise even to the point of simulating running. In one part of one play, for example, one puppet gets into a sword fight with two others splitting the skull of one open.

After the death of several great performers, Bunraku was enjoyed much less throughout Japan. Today, however, Bunraku audiences have grown. Much of this growth is attributed to the opening of the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka. Today, there are four performances each year in Tokyo and Osaka and a yearly traveling show. Three of the most famous puppeteers are Yoshida Tamao, Yoshida Minosuke, and Yoshida Bunjaku. Three great classics appear in Bunraku and they are as follows: Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami, Yoshitsune Sembonzakura and Kanadehon Chushingura