The Authenticity of Hula in Japan

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Title: The Authenticity of Hula in Japan
Author: Gianne Shelby Pabustan
Faculty Sponsor: Darryl Thomas; Gavin Keulks
Date: 4/1/2017
Abstract: The purpose of this thesis project will be to investigate Hawaiian culture’s emergence— through hula specifically—in Japanese culture and how Japanese culture has adapted to it. Specifically, this project will focus on whether hula in Japan remains pure and close to its Hawaiian roots rather than transformed. Hawaii and Japan are both island cultures, but differences have developed in how hula is portrayed, whether it be more for the entertainment aspect or the cultural aspect. In hula, numerous performance elements symbolize aspects of Hawaiian culture: from the formation of the dancers (representing working together in a community) to the dancers’ adornments (representing a goddess, an island, or even the subject of the mele, or song, itself). Research on Hawaiian and Japanese cultural similarities, such as similarities in spiritual mythology, will reveal the factors that contribute to the continued popularity of hula in Japan. Similarities and differences in hula being taught in Hawaii versus being taught in Japan, such as commercializing hula into an industry, will also be evaluated. Insight from well-recognized kumu hula, or hula teacher, Shane Kamakaokalani ‘Maka’ Herrod, who teaches both in Hawaii and Japan, will also be used to have an inside perspective on how hula hālau, or hula schools, in Japan differ from those in Hawaii.
Type: Text; Honors Thesis
Department: Honors Program
Keywords: hula
Language: eng
Rights: Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.; http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Identifier: honors_theses/148