Kyoto's Gion Festival: A Social History (Bloomsbury Shinto Studies)

This book focuses on the long history of what is arguably the most prestigious and influential festival in Japan – Kyoto’s Gion festival. The book explores this history from the festival’s origins in the late 10th century to the 21st century, drawing on Japanese historical studies and archival materials as well as the author's participant observation fieldwork. Whilst research to date has focused on Shinto ideas and rituals, Kyotos' Gion Festival is the first to focus on this famous Shrine festival and demonstrates the importance of shrine festivals in understanding Japanese religion. Covering both historical and contemporary perspectives, it includes discussion of the festival's status as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the interplay of religion and tourism, as well as its symbol of national unity. "This book focuses on the long history of what is arguably the most prestigious and influential festival in Japan - Kyoto's Gion festival. It explores this history from the festival's origins in the late 10th century to its post-war revival, drawing on Japanese historical studies and archival materials as well as the author's participant observation fieldwork. Exploring the social and political networks that have kept this festival alive for over a millennium, this book reveals how it has endured multiple reinventions. In particular, it identifies how at each historical juncture, different groups have found new purposes for the festival and adapted this costly enterprise to suit their own ends. The history of this festival not only sheds light on the development of Japanese festival culture as a whole, but also offers a window on Kyoto's history and provides a testing ground for recent festival theory"-- Provided by publisher "This book focuses on the long history of what is arguably the most prestigious and influential, and also the best documented festival in Japan - Kyoto's Gion festival. The book explores this history from the festival's origins in the late tenth century to the twenty-first century, drawing on Japanese historical studies and archival materials as well as the author's participant observation fieldwork. Whilst research to date has focused on Shinto ideas and rituals, Kyotos' Gion Festival is the first to focus on this famous Shrine festival and demonstrates the importance of shrine festivals in understanding Japanese religion. Covering both historical and contemporary perspectives, it includes discussion of the festival's status as of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the interplay of religion and tourism, as well as its symbol of national unity."-- Provided by publisher Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Explanatory notes Illustrations Introduction Chapter 1: 900–1200: The politics of divine wrath Chapter 2: 1200–1467: Between temple overlord and shogun Chapter 3: 1467–1582: Revival in an age of war Chapter 4: 1582–1864: Urban blossoming Chapter 5: 1864–1952: The problems of modernity Conclusion: Mirroring by modelling Notes References Index