Decreasing Folk Traditions in Japan

Unit 4: Folk and Popular Culture  

1/6/17

Original article can be found here 

Synopsis:

          Folk culture is found all over the world in different forms. In Japan, the population celebrates its old traditions by throwing festivals and having events. However, recently the number of these events have decreased. People don’t seem to appreciate these celebrations as much as they used to because the new generation isn’t accustomed to them. Over time these traditions are being shared less and enjoyed by a smaller amount of people. Recently, sixty traditional festivals have been terminated due to the aging population and the decline of the number of people in rural communities. Not only are the traditions not being passed because of a lack of people, but in other areas of Japan the population isn’t even interested in learning about them. Overall, folk culture in Japan is not being maintained as well as used to be.

Analysis:

          Folk traditions in Japan have been decreasing because of a variety of factors. First of all, the younger population just doesn’t appreciate the old traditions as much as the generation before them did. According to the Cultural Affairs Agency, 6,264 events are in a suspended state all across the country. Some specific events that have been discontinued include Kagura which is a Shinto music and dance in the city of Shiroi. Additionally, Shishimai, a lion dance has also been discontinued. The problem is especially more prevalent in rural areas because of the population that is dying off. There aren’t enough people to keep these traditions alive. Many residents across Japan have expressed their feelings of sadness at the end of these traditions but they feel like there is nothing they can do. However, some communities have taken the steps to keep these traditions alive in other parts of Japan by teaching children in school about them at a young age and instilling in them this important part of Japanese culture. Since folk culture spreads very slowly compared to popular culture it is sometimes difficult to continue spreading it. It essentially diffuses from one generation to the next but in the case of the Japanese, the next generation is not receptive to receiving it. Folk culture comes from anonymous hearths so it is important to keep it alive since it can’t be traced back to its original source. If the Japanese do not continue to spread their traditions they will eventually disappear forever. We talked in class about how folk culture is harder to maintain and preserve than popular culture. Therefore, with no one taking these Japanese traditions with them when they relocate, the culture of the separate communities in Japan will not be recorded anywhere and will therefore cease to exist. Overall, if nothing is done about the decrease of folk festivals in Japan the distinctive cultures and traditions of the country will not be preserved.