JAPAN

Sixty traditional folk events halted in rural Japan due to depopulation, aging

People carry a giant float with multiple tiers of lanterns during the Tobata Gion festival in Kitakyushu on Dec. 4. While the festival is among the 33 recently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a lack of people to inherit traditions has led to the abolishment and suspension of many lesser-known local festivals across Japan. The Kitakyushu event, usually held in summer, was held last month to celebrate its UNESCO list inclusion. | KYODO

Kyodo

Jan 4, 2017

Sixty traditional festivals and dances in 20 prefectures designated by local governments as intangible folk culture assets have been ended or suspended due to population declines and the aging of rural communities, a survey has found.

The importance of folk culture assets has been underscored by the recent registration of 33 traditional festivals across Japan on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

On a local level, however, population aging and an exodus of young people to the cities have made it hard for many of these centuries-old traditions to be maintained.

Sixty traditional folk events halted in rural Japan due to depopulation, aging

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