Ethnicity, ideology and cultural inheritance through koto music in Brazil

Abstract

This article summarizes the case study initiated in 1996, encompassing Okinawa Brazilian Association, Miwa Group, and the Japanese Classical Music Brazilian Association, located in the city of São Paulo. The research dealt with the institutions' structural organization, attitudes and concepts regarding teaching, learning and performance. Through the koto schools, the social cultural role of traditional music was examined in its international context. In order to highlight some of the relevant consequences of the behavior and history of the Japanese immigration to Brazil, which centenary will take place in June 18th 2008, the research went beyond subject barriers, focusing in an transversal approach. The article, through the research of immigrant repertoires, attempts to contribute for the urban anthropology studies by discussing ethnic minorities, specifically, Nikkei community.