柳田國男 · やなぎたくにお · people

Yanagita Kunio

Founder of Japanese folklore studies (1875–1962) who explored kami and traditional beliefs.

Definition

Yanagita Kunio (1875–1962) is regarded as the father of Japanese folklore studies and made substantial contributions to the understanding of Shinto and its relation to Japanese culture. His publications, including *The Yanagita Kunio Guide to the Japanese Folk Tale*, provided insight into local kami worship and folk beliefs, emphasizing the significance of oral traditions. He created a framework for analyzing folklore, which influenced generations of scholars. Yanagita's unique approach, blending humanities with anthropology, underscored the interplay between Shinto and the cultural heritage of Japan.

Etymology

'Yanagita' relates to a common family name in Japan, often associated with figures in literature and cultural studies.