in osaka, western japan, traditional puppets used in the art of bunraku welcomed fans with servings of japanese sake. the event is held annually to celebrate the first day of performances and wish for a successful year at the national bunraku theater. it is performed by puppeteers, people chanting and musicians playing a three-stringed japanese instrument resembling a guitar. five performers designated as living national treasures attended the event. >>> that is all for now on "newsline." i'm yuko fukushima. thanks for watching and have a good day. jjxqqqqqaqaqqqqqqqqqqqq