Abstract
In this paper, the author aims to consider Chiiki-gaku (local studies movements) highlighting its agencies and their practices. Since the 1990s, the movements called as Chiiki-gaku are flourishing throughout Japan. Among them, this paper focuses Aizu-gaku at Aizu-region, western part of Fukushima prefecture.
Aizu-gaku means both a local studies movement and the name of their journal published annually. The most distinguished character of the journal is that it has a thick volume and the authors who are not professional researchers but ordinary peoples write the articles. Various styles of writings such as essays, articles, graphic reports are appeared, and the major ones based on life story interview of local peoples.
The movement of Aizu-gaku is significant as they vividly present local way of life and customs in relation with natural environment in the journal. By publishing Aizu-gaku, agencies try to hand over the local knowledge to their descendants and let them know how to live in Aizu.
Oku-aizu shobo, a publisher of the journal provides the site of the Aizu-gaku movement. The publisher together with the participant’s intensive network presents a place of generating sensitivity for local culture. This makes Aizu-gaku successful and sustainable movement.
