KAGURA PERFORMANCES IN FUKUOKA PREFECTURE

1997 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 08610317
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: 文化人類学(含民族学・民俗学)
• Research Institution: KYUSHU INSTITUTE OF DESIGN
• Principal Investigator: MATSUNAGA Ken KYUSHU INSTITUTE OF DESIGN,FACULTY OF DESIGN,PROFESSOR, 芸術工学, 教授 (40040993)
• Project Period (FY): 1996 – 1997
• Keywords: FUKUOKA PREFECTURE / KAGURA / SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION / MUSIC / DANCE

Research Abstract

Kagura perfomance is one of the most widespread folkloric performing arts in Japan. The research intend to get various information about 29 groups of Kagura, a so-called Chikuzen Kagura and Buzen Kagura, in Fukuoka prefecture and north Oita prefecture, 1.historical progress after Meiji restoration 2.structural methods of dances, muscie, speeches and stories. 3.interaction between each group 4.distinctive features and peculiarities of play or program.
As the results, following issues are made clear. 1.influences of the Japanese myth on play, for examples. 'advent of grandson of God', 'story of Jingu-empress' or 'conquest of big serpent' 2.various characterizations on musics or dances of each group 3.changing of play and production, and so on. But at the same time, every Kagura group, unfortunately, have been suffering from the decrease of young members.