Bunraku is so interesting and very Japanese. The English headphones provide interesting translation of the action in real time. I was able to understand everything. Bring your lunch into the theater and plan to eat at the intermission. There is little time to go out and get some food.

I atttended the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka with my daughter. Although we could not understand the language, the story was made clear by the actor's voices and the puppets movement. Upon entering the theatre, we were greeted by one of the employees who escorted us through the lobby while explaining that nights performance. I've never felt more welcome in another country.