More than just a Souvenir: Exploring the Social Dimensions of GoshuinCollecting in Japan
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2024-08-31
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en
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This study examines how goshuin collectors form social bonds and develop a sense of belonging through "collecting tourism" at Japanese shrines and temples. Based on in-depth interviews with collectors from student communities and attendees of a goshuin distribution event, the research highlights how shrines and temples serve as both spiritual and personal meaning-making spaces. Goshuin collectors navigate dual roles as “collecting tourists” and “spiritual tourists,” blending leisure with cultural and religious practices. Collectors are motivated by personal and social factors, including the opportunity to bond with others, explore Japan, and engage in cultural appreciation. Social interactions extend to online platforms where collectors share their experiences, further digitalizing and redefining the meaning of goshuin
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