Press Releases

Inscription of “Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes”
on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
(Statement by Foreign Minister Kono)

November 29, 2018
  1.  On November 29, it was decided at the 13th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Port Luis, Republic of Mauritius, that “Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes” nominated by Japan was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and I am very pleased with the decision. I express my sincere respect to all relevant people who dedicated until today for promotion and succession of “Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes”.
  2.  The 10 festivals of “Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes” have long tradition hoping people’s peace and happiness for a whole year in their own region in Japan. I hope more people are interested in various regions in Japan thanks to “Raiho-shin, ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes” and promote their excellent values to the world.

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