Regional Potential Based on Traditional Cultures in Fishing and Agricultural Villages:

<p>Purpose<br>The purpose of this study was to clarify regional potential based on traditional cultures of B, a fishing and agricultural village in Okinawa, and to gain hints for constructing a care system for mutual support in the neighborhood in the future.<br>Methods<br>The authors conducted a qualitative and descriptive analysis of interviews with five participants who had experiences in giving care in B and contents of participant- observation of traditional events. As a result, 87 key sentences, 15 sub-categories and following five categories as indicated in square brackets were extracted. <br>Results<br>Familiar relationships over many generations based on [strong relationships by territorial bonds] were continued in B. The community center had functions, roles for sending and collecting information, and became a place for further exchanges in the elderly: alleviation of burdens for caring families, emergency counseling. Besides, social- workers based in the center supported the elderly and took care of them. Thus, [elderly-care by highly trusted social workers and community center] was practiced. <br>Residents cared for each other and looked after the elderly in need. They especially helped the families of the elderly with dementia directly and indirectly. Therefore, the basis of informal support by [mutual aid as personal affairs between residents] was seen.<br>In addition, “Honen-sai”, a harvest festival treasured the traditional cultures that has a history over 120 years, nutured young generation’s feelings toward their community and had rich social resourses such as [traditional events inherited by all residents] via [multi generational connections strengthen by the events].<br>Conclusion<br>Consequently, the result suggested that even the small village based on cultural basis like B may have the enough regional potential to help each other and survive.<br> </p>