Karakuri Zoushi Ayatsuri Sakon
Japanese title: 人形草紙あやつり左近
Type: TV
Episodes: 26
Premiered: fall 1999
Source: Manga
Genres: Mystery, Suspense
Studios: TMS Entertainment
Producers: WOWOW
Duration: 25 min per ep
Rating: R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

The dark-haired bishounen is Sakon Tachibana, a puppeteer, and the other is Ukon, his favorite puppet, and best friend. Sakon is the (only) grandson of Saemon Tachibana, a national treasure of Japan famous for his manipulation of Bunraku puppets. Ukon is a child doll puppet made in the early Meiji era by the famous female dollmaker Unosuke. Together they run into murders and solve them.

(Source: AnimeNfo)