د. علاء فاضل احمد

Abstract

The current research attempts to access the Japanese social culture and shed light on art performance that begins in the fifteenth century and reflects a pure Japanese identity and culture. The research also seeks to show the other side of Japan for the purpose of showing how Japan is not only one of the strongholds of modern technology, but also has its own civilization, traditions, social heritage, culture and arts.

This cultural heritage resulted from the spirit of society as a live expression of the characteristics of that society and its ability to balance and integrate traditions with modernity. This ability is embodied in processing the contradictions/diversity to achieve a spirit of harmony, which is a Japanese social and cultural philosophy. This confirms the existence of a distinctive Japanese civilization, culture and heritage, contrary to what was referred to by (Kato Shuoichi), a Japanese cultural historian, who has criticized it and considered it mongrel.

(Warren-Knott & Hironaga, 1964)is one component of the Japanese traditional art and its permanence is associated with the development of the Japanese society; identifying its identity, forming its cultural heritage and relationship with social classes, and enhancing its prestige in social history.

This research is an attempt to study the impact of arts and folklore festivals on shaping the culture and identity of society. It also explains the role of society in achieving a balance between the influences of technology/modernity and traditions that shaped the identity of the Japanese society and its role in the perpetuation of the Japanese nation over ages. Moreover, the role of the state in caring for society, preserving its heritage and cultural elements will be highlighted and presented as a model for Iraq and the Arab world to adopt