Press Releases
Statement by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on Inscription of “Washi, craftsmanship of Japanese hand-made paper” on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
1. November 26 (same day local time), it was decided at the 9th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Paris, the Republic of France, that “Washi, craftsmanship of Japanese hand-made paper” nominated by Japan was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and I would like to share this great pleasure with all relevant people and the all nation. I express my sincere respect to all relevant people who dedicated until today for promotion and succession of Washi.
2. The Washi is the symbol of “Japanese Skill” of which we have to be proud of. The elegant Japanese Washi catches the world’s attention not only in the field of arts but also various areas, since it is used for restoration of cultural properties and for ecological products, by making use of its durability and tenacity.
3. We are committed to succeed this Washi to the next generation, and promote its excellent value to the world.
