On Friday, July 16, 2021, the Agency for Cultural Affairs reported to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology that Mr. Kanjuro Kiritake, a visiting professor at the Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences and a puppeteer of Bunraku puppet theater, should be recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure).

　Mr. Kanjuro Kiritake is a regular lecturer in the Kamigata Culture Course, a special course offered by the Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences since 2004 and has consistently served as a coordinator for the artistic staff since the start of the course.

　The report highly praised Kanjuro's advanced embodiment of traditional Bunraku puppet techniques and his ability to perform in a wide range of artistic fields, including onnagata and tachiyaku roles, as well as his dedication to teaching and training younger performers. He is expected to play an even more active role in the future.

Osaka City University, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Special Lecture - Kamigata Culture Course
https://www.lit.osaka-cu.ac.jp/kamigata/