Japanese Folk Dances approved as UNESCO Intangible Heritage

A collection of traditional Japanese folk dances “Furyu-odori” has been approved for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalization.

The understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities contributes to the dialogue between cultures and promotes respect for other ways of life.

The 41 regional dances, which originated in Japan’s medieval period, have been passed down from generation to generation and are performed by communities to commemorate their ancestors, pray for good harvests or rain, or to seek protection against disasters.

Dances from 24 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, including the summer dance ” Bon Odori ” feature colorful costumes and accessories always accompanied by flutes and the well-known taiko drums.

Furyu-odori knowledge and techniques have been passed down between schools, homes and communities through conservation groups which promotes the creation of interaction between people of all generations and genders and gives them a sense of belonging to communities.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi released a statement saying he hopes the addition of Furyu-odori to UNESCO’s heritage list ” will lead to renewed public awareness ” of Japan’s regional appeal and that they will continue to do so. do everything possible to promote them to the world.

Furyu-odori dances had previously been recommended to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Intergovernmental Committee by the organization’s evaluation panel to foster regional dialogue and exchanges and represent cultural diversity.

The Japanese government designates these dances as very important intangible cultural property.

Other Japanese heritages that have been approved and added to the UNESCO list include the performing arts of Noh and Kabuki Theaters and the centuries-old architectural craftsmanship used in half-timbered structures.

Many Japanese-founded dance institutions in other countries, such as the Japanese Folk Dance Institute in New York, have the purpose of researching, promoting, and keeping alive interest in traditional Japanese folk dances.