Regulatory Factors of the View of the Local Residents on the Diversification of Participant in Traditional Festivals

Case Study of the Kumakabuto Hatsuka Matsuri of an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset

Abstract

This study examined how traditional festivals are inherited. The festival reviewed here is traditionally conducted only by locals, but some residents have begun to consider cooperating with outsiders (particularly university students) because of scarcity of labor. There is no consensus on the subject. This study investigated residents’ opinion on cooperating with university students using a questionnaire survey of all households in settlements participating in the festival. Consequently, it was found that following three factors were correlated with the view to collaboration with students. One was an impression that students would be helpful in conducting the festival promoted natural collaboration. Another was the individual cognition of ease to contact with administrative staff and regional leaders. The other was gender.