Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This research explores the preservation and evolution of Japanese cultural traditions, examining how traditional arts, cuisine, hospitality, festivals, family dynamics, crafts, religious practices, popular media, giftgiving, and ancestor worship are maintained, adapted, or transformed in response to modernization, globalization, and shifting societal values.Employing a qualitative, explorative approach that combined semistructured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of how these cultural practices navigate the challenges and opportunities of contemporary Japan.The findings reveal a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, highlighting the resilience of traditional practices and the innovative strategies employed by practitioners to engage new generations.Key insights include the adaptation of traditional arts through digital media, the dual impact of globalization on Japanese cuisine, the evolving interpretation of omotenashi in modern contexts, and the role of festivals in fostering community bonds.The study also examines the shifting dynamics of family structure and gender roles, the preservation challenges faced by traditional crafts, and the continued relevance of Shinto and Buddhism in a secularized society.The research underscores the importance of a balanced approach that supports cultural preservation while embracing adaptation, offering practical recommendations for cultural practitioners, educators, and policymakers.By providing a nuanced understanding of the factors driving cultural change, this study contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of cultural heritage in Japan.
Source: Social Science Chronicle.
Author: Sakura Takahashi
Institution: Temple University, Japan
Language: English
Topic: Japanese History and Culture
Subfield: Cultural Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4402674986