Journal of Urban Culture Research
Publication Date
2019-01-01
Abstract
In this paper I will discuss a multicultural art project in an ethnic minority neighborhood in Japan where contemporary dance artist Midori Kurata visited the elderly nursing home residents and created a performance with them. The project was launched by the local government, with the aim of facilitating cultural exchanges including Korean descendants in Higashikujo, Kyoto, Japan. While challenging the social exclusion of ethnic minorities is a major issue in Japanese society, it is also important to consider how the specific culture and heritage of different groups are not consumed by but conveyed to other communities. This art project successfully reflected the ordinary existence of a Higashikujo minority group, which led to a transformation in the expression of the dancing of Kurata, and an understanding of their unique ethnic culture. This paper will present this project's creative process, performance, and its significance for fostering the social inclusion of ethnic minorities among a wider audience in Japan.
DOI
10.58837/CHULA.JUCR.18.1.4
First Page
60
Last Page
72
Recommended Citation
Koizumi, Asami
(2019)
"Othering or Inclusion: Focusing on a Contemporary Dance Project with an Ethnic Minority in Japan,"
Journal of Urban Culture Research: Vol. 18, Article 5.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.JUCR.18.1.4
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jucr/vol18/iss1/5