The purpose of this study is to clarify the process of “self-transformation” by a personal and group level of the oral transmission of utai in northern Miyagi Prefecture, The research method includes an open-ended questionnaire, hearing survey, and participant observation of performers who have been practicing utai in yokyoku hozonkai.

  The results indicated that learning utai by “self-transformation” comprises three stages at a personal level : 1) the performer first imitates the katachi of their teachers or seniors and combines it with their self-awareness ; 2) the performer then starts grasping the utai subjectively with the shift from katachi to kata ; and 3) upon the mastery of kata, the performer develops an interest in his/her individuality. Furthermore, it includes three stages at the group level : 1) the performer holds admiration and goals upon his entry into the cultural life of utai ; 2) he/she then develops consciousness as a pillar of regional culture and recognizes his/her own performing style by interacting with others ; and 3) finally, the performer develops a higher consciousness of utai's status as a pillar of regional culture.