Japanese Researcher Helps Preserve Taiwan's Indigenous Rukai Culture
A 31-year-old Japanese researcher who moved to an indigenous village in eastern Taiwan four years ago to study the Rukai people has become an active member of the community, helping preserve traditional ceremonies and customs while learning the importance of protecting cultural values that remain unchanged across generations. (News On Japan)
Japanese researcher Tenga Hoshino, 31, has been helping preserve the Rukai indigenous culture in Taromak, an eastern Taiwanese village. Hoshino moved to the community four years ago to study Rukai society and traditions, gradually becoming an active member. The Rukai, one of 17 officially recognized indigenous groups on Taiwan, maintain traditional ceremonies and customs despite the spread of modern technology.
During a recent wedding between a Rukai woman and a man from another indigenous group, Hoshino participated in the traditional customs, including setting off firecrackers to signal the ceremony's start. The wedding, attended by over 600 people, highlighted the village's deep commitment to preserving cultural values. Hoshino believes that the underlying values of these traditions must be protected as societies evolve, as they provide a sense of identity and belonging.
He has become an integral part of Taromak's community, supporting the ceremonies and taking on less visible responsibilities, such as cleaning up after events.
Written by urgent.news from News On Japan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
