하나마쓰리의 창출ㆍ군국주의ㆍ쇠약 - 일본문화의 단절과 연속의 착종문제-

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the Japanese cultural identity through an examination of Buddha's Birthday in Japan from the Meiji Era to the present. The Japanese scholars studying Japanese cultures have adhered themselves to very traditional perspectives. However, because a balanced and well-rounded cultural sense can only be formed through a combination of traditional and contemporary factors, current Japanese cultural studies adhered only to traditional views are logically contradictory. Japanese scholars continue attempting to explain the Japanese modern cultures from a traditional standpoint. However, by examining the history of Buddha's Birthday, one is able to understand that this particular cultural festival combines both the traditional and the contemporary factors, forming a balanced view of culture. Those that were given no significance in the past-solely because they were considered to be contemporary factors-had in fact very significant historic effects. Through this observation, scholars must rethink the fundamental awareness about the Japanese culture. That is, until recently, most aspects of the so-called Japanese culture that were presented to the public's eyes were those that were considered to be traditional parts of Japanese culture, chosen by Japanese themselves. Therefore, current "Japanese culture" only demonstrates partial elements, failing to take into account contemporary factors. Therefore, a balanced view of Japanese cultures can only be accomplished when one revalues the formerly excluded contemporary factors and combines theme with the presently incomplete view of the Japanese culture. In conclusion, the essence of cultures lies in the coexistence of continuity and discontinuity, and this understanding is necessary to properly understand the Japanese culture in a more encompassing fashion.