Shen YUQING, Hiroshima University, Japan
Changes and regional differences in shrine management and traditional events in Hiroshima Prefecture since 1990
Research goals
Since 1990, Hiroshima Prefecture has encountered the problems such as the weakening of local communities and difficulty in maintaining them. This article conduct research at the prefectural level in order to interpret the factors that maintain the shrine. In a new social context formed after large-scale population movements, this study aims to identify the operation of shrines in Hiroshima Prefecture and how traditional activities have been carried out, and to elucidate the factors behind these changes.
Research methods
To understand regional differences, we surveyed the shrine's annual New Year festival in Saijo area and Naka-Kochi area.The reason we chose Saijo because it is an area of rapid residential development and growing population. The remote Naka-Kochi was chosen because it has a railway line through it. Some people still move to the area for the relatively convenient transportation. These areas can be considered as mixed residential areas where new and old residents live together. Differences between traditional activities can be studied.We visited the shrine and interviewed the residents present. We also confirmed the following points: 1. The main body of the shrine management 2. The process of carrying out shrine-related activities 3. The daily management of the shrine, and 4. The shrine-related activities.
Conclusion and Analysis
In areas where the population is declining rapidly, it has become clear that the rate of decline in the number of main shrines is severe. the traditional events are mainly maintained by residents. Even in areas far from urban centers, with the rapid development of residential areas, it is difficult to maintain the local community’s relationship of rural society. And although measures are being taken to simplify the flow of events, the continuation of traditional event is still a subject in the long term.
Mots clés : Hiroshima|shrine management|local community| traditional events|Japan
A104509YS