Date of Publication

3-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Major in Japanese Studies

Subject Categories

Japanese Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

International Studies

Thesis Advisor

Alexia Anne M. Suñaz

Defense Panel Chair

Charmaine Misalucha Willoughby

Defense Panel Member

Allan Benedict Capras Solacito

Abstract/Summary

This undergraduate thesis conducts a comparative study on the effects of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) inscription, using the case of the Ainu tribe in Hokkaido, Japan, and exploring its applicability to the Ubo community in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines. The study argues that dance, as a living cultural practice, is a vital wall of history, spirituality, and identity for indigenous groups. Yet, it is highly vulnerable to the pressures of modernization and globalization.

Through qualitative research, this paper examines the Ainu community's experience with UNESCO inscription, analyzing how international frameworks, national policies, and community-led initiatives have influenced the preservation and revitalization of their traditional dances. It contrasts this with the Ubo community's situation, which, despite a rich cultural heritage, faces significant challenges such as a lack of formal documentation, institutional support, and national recognition. The research employs narrative, comparative, and content analysis to investigate the specific dance traditions of the Ubo, exploring their cultural significance, symbolism, and role in community life.

The findings reveal that the Ainu's formal, community-led preservation efforts and successful UNESCO inscription have provided them with a powerful tool for cultural survival and intergenerational transmission. In contrast, the Ubo community's efforts are largely informal and struggle against cultural erosion. The study highlights a profound desire within the Ubo community for recognition and support to secure their distinct identity. Ultimately, this thesis provides actionable recommendations for the Ubo community, demonstrating that the lessons from the Ainu's experience can serve as a call to action for the Philippines to view cultural heritage not as a static artifact, but as a living legacy worthy of preservation for future generations.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Ainu--Japan-Hokkaido; Indigenous peoples--Japan--Hokkaido; Indigenous peoples--Philippines--South Cotabato; Folk dancing--Japan--Hokkaido; Folk dancing--Philippines--South Cotabato; Intangible property--Japan--Hokkaido; Intangible property--Philippines--South Cotabato

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Embargo Period

9-16-2025

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