Abstract
“Akita no Kanto”, which originated from the “Neburi-nagashi” folklore event of the Edo period, is a cultural heritage designated as important intangible cultural property in 1980. The performance competition of Kanto was first held by the Kanto society of Akita city. The term “Kanto” later became widely used. “Kanto-matsuri (festival)” has been sponsored by the executive committee since 1965. While the successors of this event are not lacking today, several projects attempting to secure younger generations aim to tackle the decreasing birthrate and aging society in the near future. Since no guideline exists for the participation of non-Japanese people in this event, a number of international students have been continuously participating as members of the Kanto club of Akita International University and its predecessor, Minnesota State University Akita campus. On the other hand, it is difficult for international students staying at Akita city for a limited time to join in the Kanto society of each neighborhood association (“Chonai-kai”), because it is highly required for them to stay at each town for a period of time.
