Folk Performance Usage in Disaster-affected Communities -Re-thinking the Notion of Authenticity-

Abstract

Following the 2011 Great Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, many communities in theaffected areas put effort in reviving their local traditions. Classically associated withcontributing to community cohesion, sense of identity and continuity as well as placeattachment, these practices have a potential role to play in terms of community resilienceand rebuilding. This research, based on ethnographic data, is part of an ongoinginvestigation into the adaptive nature and relevance of living heritage for disaster-affectedcommunities. Using the revival of Ogatsu hōin kagura (Ogatsu, Ishinomaki, MiyagiPrefecture) as case study, this paper explores the question of living heritage, highlightingthe notion of authenticity as both a key element and framework to better understand thenature of these practices and the dynamic of their usage for the benefit of communities in extreme circumstances.