- 著者
-
久保田 裕道
- 出版者
- 東京文化財研究所
- 雑誌
- 無形文化遺産研究報告 = Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage
- 巻号頁・発行日
- no.15, pp.13-24, 2021-03-31
The present paper discusses the influence Covid-19 has had on the intangible folk cultural properties of Japan with focus on case studies from 2020. First, it is noted that many folk events are held in the hope of appeasing infectious diseases. For example, the lion dance in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, was started as an event to ward off contagious diseases that occurred frequently from the last half of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. Social relevance of this type of folk events should be shared by many people. Next, impact such as cancellation and postponement of folk events and measures like video delivery that were taken in 2020 are discussed in the section on the condition of intangible folk cultural properties in the midst of Covid-19. In this situation, much criticism has been voiced even about folk events that were held in order to pray for the end of infection. Such a trend connects to a questioning and negation of values associated with these folk events. Finally, the problems related with intangible folk properties in the midst of Covid-19 are discussed. Intangible folk properties are one of the categories of intangible cultural heritage unique to Japan. It is different from traditional performing arts performed by professionals in that it is cultural properties of the “people.” It is rooted in the faith, society, entertainment and other aspects of a given region. But the influence of Covid-19, by negating their values, brings about a great risk to the regional society.