Final answer:
Bunraku is the Japanese theatre form that heavily relies on puppets. It emerged in Osaka in the 1600s and uses life-like puppets operated by a team of puppeteers who are visible on stage, with the master puppeteer's face exposed but expressionless.
Step-by-step explanation:
Japanese Bunraku Theatre
The type of Japanese theatre that heavily relies on puppets is called Bunraku. It is a traditional puppet theatre that emerged in Osaka during the 17th century, with significant contributions from playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon and chanter Takemoto Gidayu. Bunraku utilizes highly crafted, life-like puppets operated by skilled puppeteers or ningyotsukai, who are visible onstage together with the exquisite puppets. These puppeteers collaborate with the main elements of Bunraku which include the dramatic text known as jurori, and the chanting by the tayu to create a deeply emotional and sophisticated performance.
In Bunraku, each puppet is operated by three puppeteers. The master puppeteer (omozukai) controls the head and right hand; the second puppeteer (hidarizukai) handles the left hand; and the third puppeteer (ashizukai) manages the lower half. These puppeteers, particularly the second and third, are dressed in black to blend into the background, allowing the audience to focus on the detailed movements of the puppets. The master puppeteer's face is visible but remains expressionless to maintain the illusion that the puppets are the ones embodying the emotions and actions of the performance.