The era of Ningyo Joruri (puppet play later called Bunraku) began in 1684 when Takemoto Gidayu, a narrator, opened a theater in Dotonbori. He was joined by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, the genius playwright who was often called "the Shakespeare of Japan."

Dotonbori in Osaka has been the "Broadway of Japan" located in the distinctive trading city of Osaka where traders and merchants gather. Most of the audience were merchants and some wealthy farmers. The economical power of the merchants was growing strong but yet their social ranking was at the bottom under the strict Tokugawa government. The farmers suffered from natural disasters and heavy taxes placed upon them by their ruling Samurai lord. Chikamatsu grabbed the hearts of the audience with stories filled with tears and passion often involving emotional struggles such as the duty and royalty over their true feeling, unfilled love because of family or society leading to double suicides, and so on.