SENJU PUPPET COMPANY is established in 2018 by group of independent puppet
theater artists. Our goal is to develop and present TAKEDA techniques – a unique
Japanese marionette system, from the 17th century, and to work towards developing the puppet theater language.

Our mentor is Senju Takeda - the last successor of "Takeda" theater in the world! With his help we have developed a contemporary theater system that enables us to respond to the modern times while keeping the traditions alive.

Our team includes more than 10 artists dedicated to the art of puppetry. For several years now, our performances "The Samurai's Daughter" and "Issun Boshi" have been presenting the beauty, precision and grace of "Takeda" Theater to audiences all around the world.

"Takeda" Theater exist since the 17th century and bears the surname of the well-known Takeda Oomi - actor, director and set designer. The "Takeda" marionettes differ from other puppets in their realism. They are made extremely detailed, with the proportions of their parts resembling the proportions of the body parts of a real person. Great precision is required from the actors in bringing these puppets to life and leading them. Their clothes are made of restyled authentic Japanese kimonos, their hair is made of silk, and their bodies are made of Japanese wood.

"Takeda" puppets have specific guides, as well as many strings - an average of 14 strings per puppet. Therefore, leading such a marionette can be likened to playing a musical instrument. Another characteristic of "Takeda" theater is the height from which the puppets are led. The actors are mounted on a high platform, and the strings of each puppet are about 2 meters long.

"Takeda" Theater presents various characters and plots from the Japanese folklore. The sets are hand-painted and are a work of art in themselves.

The puppets of Senju Puppet Company are original "Takeda" marionettes - they are made by Senju Takeda himself and bear the seal of "Takeda" Theater, which makes them a cultural heritage.