2020 年 50 巻 1 号 p. 97-114
In FY 2004, the author conducted a survey on the status of cultural activities in various areas of Japan related to urban renewal issues in local communities. While rural depopulation has further progressed in the 13 years since this survey, local projects aimed at attracting tourists using cultural resources are promoted. In institutional terms, the Theater Act that aimed to promote the formation of hubs for theatrical and artistic activities, such as theaters and music halls, was enacted in 2012. Moreover, in the Basic Act for the Promotion of Culture and the Arts, revised in 2017, not only cultural promotion measures, but also measures in a wide range of related fields including tourism, urban development, international exchange, welfare, education and industry were incorporated into the legal framework.
This survey was conducted using the same method as in the FY 2004 survey to better compare the status of cultural and artistic activities in Japan with the FY 2004 survey results. One reason for the downsizing of cultural activities （JPY 14.74 million → 6.05 million） was to decrease large-scale activities （costing JPY 10.00 million or more） （42% → 14%）. Most activities were done to increase the local cultural level, while a few activities aimed to facilitate tourism （47% vs. 5%）. Regarding activity genres, nearly 90% of all activities were music, dance, and traditional performing arts, with only a few activities in other genres. Activities in each genre were held in public social-cultural facilities according to their genre, and no activities were held outside the facilities according to this survey, compared to the FY 2004 survey. When cultural activities required an increase in income generated by the activities themselves, the subsidy ratio for activity costs excluding costs borne by the activity organizers and admission fees was 47%, this is seemingly high.
The majority of the organizers of cultural activities were public interest corporations. This shows a good revitalization of creative activities in local areas, because resident-led groups and nonprofit organizations can conduct cultural activities on a more equal footing with administrative organizations as compared to cultural activities organized directly by the local municipalities.
JEL Classifications:H54, R51, R53, Z11
