Kugutsu (傀儡子)
Kugutsu were groups of people who traveled around the country and made a living in the performing arts, appearing on the records from around the ninth century.
They are said to have used magic to conduct various performances, particularly the control of puppets.
They were also written as kugutsushi (傀儡師) and females were called 'kugutsume.'
Due to their livelihood, their relationship to subsequent groups such as miko (shrine maidens), Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) performers, ichigo (female fortune-tellers) and Itako (The Japanese shaman) has been identified.