Abstract
This research examines how literature, including poems and folk songs from the Satsunan Islands, reflects changing perceptions toward aging and gender in the transition from tradition to modernity. By analyzing gerontological themes in these texts and comparing them with real-world experiences, the study explores how traditional values and modern influences shape the aging process. The research integrates literary analysis of works such as Toryu Nikki with ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews with elderly residents and community members. Through narrative analysis, this study aims to uncover how caregiving norms, gender roles, and social well-being are negotiated in rural island communities. The findings will contribute to discussions in gerontology, cultural studies, and Japanese literature by illustrating the interplay between historical traditions and contemporary societal transformations. This research aims to provide insights into the resilience of traditional caregiving practices and the evolving identity of aging populations in Japan’s remote islands.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Gerontology, Island Studies, Modernization and Identity, Narrative Analysis, Caregiving Norms
