Mizutani, Futō, 水谷不倒,

About the Author

Mizutani Futō (水谷不倒), a pioneering Japanese scholar and author of the early 20th century, dedicated his career to the preservation and scholarly exploration of traditional Japanese performing arts. Born in the late 19th century, he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of kabuki, jōruri, and related theatrical forms, drawing from historical texts and cultural archives to illuminate their evolution. His magnum opus, Eiri jōruri / Mizutani Futō cho. (繪入浄瑠璃史 / 水谷不倒著), published in three volumes in 1916, stands as a monumental illustrated history of jōruri, blending meticulous research with vivid depictions that capture the essence of this puppet theater tradition. Through his work, Mizutani not only documented a fading art but also inspired generations of researchers and enthusiasts to appreciate Japan's intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its legacy endures in modern scholarship.