Preserving Water Culture: Local Festivals (Matsuri) in Japan and Sedekah Laut in Pantai Utara Jawa Jepara Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesian and Japanese cultures have similarities in maintaining sustainability in nature. In Japan, preserving nature can be done by the traditional ceremony (Matsuri) with water as one of the mediums. In Indonesia, there is a ceremony too called Sedekah Laut, which is carried out by groups of fishing communities in the cultural element as a system of livelihood. Although it has a different series, Matsuri in Japan and Sedekah Laut in Jepara are a form of gratitude to nature by preserving and maintaining the cleanliness of nature through culture. This research aims to portray human and nature relationships and how to preserve them through culture. The two traditions involving many people for preserving nature in harmony is not just one person's responsibility, but together. This research uses methods through comparisons of Indonesian and Japanese traditional ceremonies. This research also used data collection methods through primary sources by in-depth interview and secondary sources by books, publication journals, and online news. This research also provides benefits that traditional ceremonies cleanse nature from damage and the attitude of cooperation of the community that together maintain the sustainability of nature.