01605nas a2200181   4500000000100000008004100001653002100042653003900063653003300102653004300135653003200178100001800210245008200228300001000310490000600320520108300326022001401409       2007                            d10aSocial practices10aCommunity participation (THE\_204)10aCultural identity (THE\_382)10arituals and festive events (ICH\_1229)10aPerforming arts (ICH\_1228)1 aVoltaire Cang00aDefining Intangible Cultural Heritage and its Stakeholders: the Case of Japan  a38-440 v23 aGujo Odori is a Japanese Bon (festival for the dead usually held in midsummer), in this case a dance matsuri (festival) held annually in Gujo Hachiman, Gujo City, in Gifu Prefecture. Landlocked Gifu Prefecture, and even less Gujo City and the administrative district of Gujo Hachiman, are not too prominent in Japan’s consciousness, and are known primarily for the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and to some people for the ayu, the sweetfish found abundantly in its many rivers.Gujo Odori begins in mid-July, when the Hasshosai, the launching ceremony, is held in front of the old town hall plaza by shrine officials-the traditional sponsors- and local government representatives, with Gujo Hachiman residents and tourists in attendance. Every year, the politicians outnumber the shrine representatives at least ten to one. Aside from public administrative and festival committee officials, also present are members of different organisations such as the local education board, the chamber of commerce and the tourist association.  a1975-3586