Abstract
Loss of Kiriko festivals can entail negative effects to the historical and cultural significance of the event, as well as to the local community. The purpose of this paper is to identify the underlying causes of decline of Kiriko-festivals in Okunoto-Suzu, Ishikawa. Okunoto-Suzu is one of the most rapidly depopulating areas in Japan seen to endanger the biological and cultural diversities. Interviews were conducted from May 13-September4 in 2009 to ten (10) community directors in Suzu city about their perceptions on the causes of the decline of Kiriko-festival. Results show twenty-three (23) factors of decline categorized into six (6) types. The four (4) causes decline are the following; changes in social infrastructure, changes working habits, loss of interest to regional festival and change in lifestyle. Differences of each interviewed communities based on the decline types were also established. It is believed that the social change and modernization occurring in Okunoto-Suzu area led to the significant decline of historical and cultural celebration of Kiriko festivals. Efforts have to be made to conserve the local history and culture specifically the Kiriko-festivals for the people of present and future generations.
