Nishikawa Koryu V

5th generation headmaster, Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo

Born in 1953, Hachioji, Tokyo.

The oldest son of headmaster Nishikawa Koryu IV, he studied puppetry from his childhood under his father and in 1966, at age 13, was given his first stage name, Nishikawa Ryuji.

After studying Bunraku puppetry for two years at the National Theatre Bunraku study center, he traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, in 1987-89 to give performances and conduct workshops. In 1996, he succeeded to the headmastership of the school and took the name Nishikawa Koryu V. That same year, Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo was designated an Intangible Folk Custom Cultural Asset by the Japanese national government.

Koryu-sensei's studies of traditional Japanese dance and Bunraku puppetry add depth and versatility to his art and he is involved in traditional performances and productions as well as new collaborations, including work with Shinnai, Noh, and other theatrical forms. He is also experimenting with puppetry in non-traditional formats, such as flamenco and other western dance forms. He is active in promoting awareness and understanding of Kuruma Ningyo throughout Japan and overseas. In cooperation with the Hachioji Board of Education, he provides performances and demonstrations as well as open studio days for the public, and summer and after-school programs for school children, in order to expand the traditional arts and ensure an audience for them in the future. In 2004, Nishikawa Koryu V was named Cultural Ambassador of Hachioji City.