2017 Volume 62 Issue 1 Pages 83-104
Today, there are regional variations in the types of traditional Japanese tugs-of-war. Clarifying the significance and issues of traditional Japanese tugs-of-war passed down from generation to generation through children who perform them is meaningful in understanding how traditional sport and game culture can contribute to regional development.
The purpose of this study was to examine the actual condition and cultural features of a traditional tug-of-war event known as Inaba no shobu-tsunahiki (literally means a tug-of-war performed in Inaba Province that uses tugs made of iris) held in the Mizushiri district of Ketaka town as a traditional ceremony of tango-no-sekku (the boys' festival on May 5th according to the lunar calendar), and to clarify the cultural significance of this event from the standpoint of regional development through traditional sports.
The materials used in this study were collected mainly through fieldwork and interviews with the tug-of-war participants and investigations of historical materials.
With regard to the significance of traditional sports culture, it has been considered that traditional Japanese stick games have played an important part in regional development. Similarly, the present findings indicate that this traditional tug-of-war has important significance for the modern community. Inaba no shobu-tsunahiki in the Mizushiri district evolved from the region's nature and history and reflects the identity of the local residents. As the tug-of-war is performed by children and supported by the adults, it plays an important role in community continuation and development, enhancing the local sense of togetherness and revitalizing the link between generations.
In the aforementioned aspects, we can find the modern significance of traditional sports and games.
