Cross-cultural Co-creation and Digital Narration: A Research on the Path of Revitalizing Rural Artisans Enabled by Intangible Cultural Heritage Animation IP—A Sino-Japanese Comparative Perspective Based on Yuxi Kiln and Bai Ethnic Group Tie-dye
Download PDF

Keywords

Intangible cultural heritage activation
Animation IP
Sino-Japanese comparison
Yuxi Kiln
Bai ethnic group tie-dye
Digital narration
Rural artisans revitalization

DOI

10.26689/ssr.v8i7.15810

Published : 2026-08-14

Abstract

Against the backdrop of rural revitalization and the shifting perceptions of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), exploring ways to inherit traditional crafts and realize youthful transformation as well as cross-border communication via Sino-Japanese co-creation has become an important research topic. Taking Yuxi Kiln blue and white porcelain and Bai ethnic group tie-dye from China, together with Arita porcelain and Awa indigo dye from Japan as comparative research objects, this paper constructs a three-dimensional transformation plus three-party linkage empowerment model for ICH animation IP. By summarizing and comparing the differences between Chinese and Japanese ICH in craft inheritance, IP branding and industrial ecology, this paper proposes the transformation path of “craft to IP to product” and the linkage mechanism of “artisans, consumers and markets.” Based on the trials of character design, AR interactive products and social media communication, this study explores the digital transformation paths for ICH. It provides a replicable cross-cultural digital empowerment approach for the revitalization of rural artisans.

References

Cabinet Office of Japan, 2024, Cool Japan Strategy. Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, Tokyo. https://www.cao.go.jp/cool_japan/english/index-e.html

Jin SP, 2005, Inheritance, Protection and Development of Bai Ethnic Group Tie-dye Culture. Journal of South-Central Minzu University (Humanities and Social Sciences), 2005(25): 50.

Fang LL, 2021, Handicrafts and the Remolding of Contemporary Chinese Lifestyle. Folk Culture Studies, 2021(3): 44–46.

UNESCO, 2003, Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage. UNESCO, Paris. https://www.unesco.org/en/legal-affairs/charter-preservation-digital-heritage

Gong CY, 2021, Research on Communication Strategies of “ICH + Animation” Mode. Journal of Tonghua Normal University, 42(1): 29–30.

Yao GZ, Yao CB, 2024, Digital Communication of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Concept System, Practical Dilemmas and Implementation Paths. Journal of Xihua University (Philosophy & Social Sciences), 2024(43): 6.

Murray JH, 1997, Hamlet on the Holodeck: The Future of Narrative in Cyberspace. MIT Press, Cambridge, 97–153.

Jenkins H, 2006, Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York University Press, New York.

Long DY, 2019, Transcendental Thinking and Transmedia Narration. Literary Theory and Criticism, 39(3): 184–185.

Xiang Y, Bai XJ, 2017, Audience Positioning and Value Evolution of IP Development in the New Normal Era. Journal of Peking University (Philosophy and Social Sciences), 54(1): 130–131.

Research Group on “Innovative Educational Approaches to the Inheritance of Traditional Culture among Cross-border Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan”, 2020, Report on the Protection and Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan Province (2006–2019). Report on the Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China’s Ethnic Minorities (2020). Social Sciences Academic Press, Beijing, 77–103. https://www.pishu.com.cn/skwx_ps/initDatabaseDetail?siteId=14&contentId=12904364&contentType=literature

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 1974, Overview of the Traditional Craft Industry Promotion Act. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo. https://www.meti.go.jp/

Ishikawa Prefecture Traditional Craft Industry Promotion Association, 2022, Statistical Yearbook of Ishikawa Prefecture. Ishikawa Prefecture Traditional Craft Industry Promotion Association, Kanazawa. https://toukei.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/library/2021.html

Guo XR, Shen J, 2024, Analysis of the Impact of Digital Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage from a Value Chain Perspective. Southeast Academic, 2024(3): 228–229.