The changes of the institution of the Japanese family in light of the celebration practices in pre-war Japan (1868–1945)

Abstract

This article deals with the changes of the institution of the Japanese family and of its lifestyle during the period that stretches from the Meiji Restoration to the end of the war. In this period, concepts such as ‘tradition’ and ’modernity’ had been often discussed and reinterpreted by the epoch’s social commentators and critics. Within
this perspective special attention will be paid to the celebrations of the Japanese family. Celebrations are an interesting subject of analysis because they represent a complex communication form which is distinguished by traditional and new, or modern elements. The traditional elements transmitted from the past provide authenticity to the celebration, while the new elements help the celebration adapt to the changed social circumstances. Data for this study is provided by a media research based on the print media of the period.