The Change and Survival of blacksmiths in Hokkaido Japan

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23720416
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cultural anthropology/Folklore
• Research Institution: Seijoh University (2014); Hokkaido University (2011-2013)
• Principal Investigator: SAITO Takayuki 星城大学, リハビリテーション学部, 講師 (20455611)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 鍛冶屋 / 北海道 / 変化 / 生存 / 伝統社会

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, I attempts to outline the current situation of blacksmiths which are faced with the threat of the destruction, in Hokkaido, Japan. And I could obtain a lot of information on them from the 24 blacksimths - former or present - and from concerned persons confirmed in 128 cities, towns or villages in the prefecture.
As a result, this study made it clear that blacksmiths in Hokkaido had supported the pioneers to get oriented to the sever environment, and also had played an important role in the cultivation and the development of agriculture, forestry, and fishing in Hokkaido, by extending the body and power of them as "interface" between a variety of iron products and people.
And then, this study also founded that they had placed emphasis on their role as a "interface" between products and people, and that they had changed shape based on the changes of local demands, which allowed them to survive.

Free Research Field

民俗学・文化人類学