Ethnic Dresses in the Korean Peninsula

The space for the Cultures of the Korean Peninsula reproduces the history and culture of the contemporary multi-layer structured Korean society with its own shamanism culture as its base combined with the foreign cultures of Buddhism, Confucianism and Christianity.Korean society is represented through exhibits of shamanism offerings of bananas, Buddhist goods like key holders and suits worn at the Confucian ceremonies.

A traditional pub restaurant “Jumak” is reproduced in the patio, which has now disappeared with the development of new means of transport. By entering the wood-scented model Jumak, visitors can imagine the situation that it was once where travelers in Korea would rest and have relaxing moments.

“Being like Japanese culture at a glance but different in fact – that is a fascinating aspect of cultures of the Korean Peninsula. If regarded as identical, then one misunderstanding after another will follow. Only by delving deeply into the hidden cultural background, its differences and similarities can be fully appreciated,” says professor Asakura.

Professor Toshio Asakura

Professor Asakura is doing research on various transformations on the cultural aspects of Korean society, now going through the rapid globalization. He is supervising the Japanese version of the Korean TV drama series, “Dae Jang-Gum,” which is very popular in Japan.

“Minpaku, commemorating its 30th anniversary next year, has succeeded in collecting many materials and assets of perishing cultures which are unavailable in other places.

People abroad are interested to know how their own cultures are being represented in Japan. How about a plan for Japanese people to appreciate exhibitions that utilize the advice of local people? We wish to continue to send messages worldwide from Osaka to enable visitors to think globally.”

Gigantic ornamental dragon used in the festivals of the Chinese regions

Upon stepping into the space for the Regional Cultures of China, visitors will be welcomed by the Dragon Dance, a popular cultural form representing the festivity on Chinese New Year's Day in the Lunar Calendar. Regional ethnic cultures on the Chinese continent are diverse. The exhibition at Festivals and Performing Arts represents symbolically the many festivities and pastimes, enriching the lifestyles of various ethnic communities. Also exhibited are Han people's traditional housing model and a bridal palanquin rarely seen in their contemporary community life.

Chinese associate professor of Department of Social Research, Han Min said, “The population comprises 56 ethnic communities, of which 91% are Han people. It is wonderful to see that the exhibition space is dedicated to ethnic minority groups without focusing too much on the Han people's culture. Unlike those of the Han tribe, the songs and dances of ethnic minorities are part of their individual tribesman's body and soul, and is part of their daily life.”

Associate professor Han Min

Associate professor Han focuses in cultural anthropology and folkloric data studies on Han tribal agricultural villages. She came to Japan 20 years ago and completed a doctoral course in the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo. She has been in Minpaku for 6 years and has been doing research while raising her two children.

“Minpaku is a unique model of its kind, with its rich collection of extracted essence, like data and materials on ethnic groups from all over the world. Visitors from China seem to appreciate this point and take pride in their own cultures represented here. It is nice that here Japanese culture is also introduced objectively as one of many cultures in the world,” said the associate professor.

From: Brand-New Osaka vol.1 (2006.11.)