We are visiting the heart of "Ningyo-cho," which translates to "Doll Town" in Japanese. The term Ningyo means "dolls." When Kabuki theater gained popularity in Japan, a Kabuki performer opened a theater in the Ningyo-cho area. Since Kabuki was a form of entertainment for ordinary people, this area developed into a thriving "theater district" for the masses.
Another popular performance art of the time was puppet theater. Many craftsmen gathered in Ningyo-cho to create and repair puppets. These were affordable and crafted by local artisans, contributing to the town’s identity as a hub for puppet-making. This led to the area being known as a center for both puppetry and theater.
In line with this tradition, a popular sweet in the area is doll-shaped pancakes filled with sweet bean paste, a treat beloved by locals.
Although Sashiko, a form of traditional Japanese stitching, was primarily associated with peasants rather than performers, I believe there were Sashiko artisans in Ningyo-cho who practiced their craft for survival. This connection is one of the reasons I chose to stay nearby.
Be sure to enjoy the local food and street sweets while you're here. For us, Ningyo-cho remains one of the few areas in Tokyo that still exudes the charm of an "Edo-like" downtown.