Ethnic Culture Conservation in Japan

The Transmission of Tibetan Traditional Folk Music and Other Pressing Questions in Deqin

Spokesperson: Silang Lunbu (Tibetan)
Organization: Kawagebo Culture Society
E-mail: kawagebo@vip.sina.cn

Located in the east of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Deqin lies at the crossroads of Han and Tibetan cultures where Tibetans have lived alongside various other ethnic groups for generations. A natural corridor, it has served as a road for tea and horse caravans and migrating ethnic groups. This unique geographical situation has offered great opportunity for cultural exchange and had inspired the rich musical tradition of the Tibetans of the area. Their music goes beyond just being a simple art form: it reflects the Tibetan people of Deqin’s attitudes towards life, their value system and their sense of aesthetics. However, with changes in society and lifestyles, the traditional folk music of Deqin is facing a crisis. Kawagebo Culture Society is making great efforts to preserve traditional folk music and dance forms.