THE MASTER PUPPETEER

Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, the harsh and ill-tempered master of feudal Japan’s most famous puppet theater, is determined to find out the identity of Sabura, a mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor. Meanwhile, Jiro devotes himself to learning puppetry. Kinshi, the puppet master’s son, tutors him. When his sheltered life at the theater is shattered by mobs of hungry, rioting peasants, Jiro becomes aware of responsibilities greater than those of his craft. As he schemes to help Kinshi and to find his own parent, Jiro stumbles onto a dangerous and powerful secret.