Press Releases
Inscription of the 3 Japanese nominations, on an extended basis as a national extension, on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
On December 11, the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage being held in New Delhi, the capital of Republic of India, adopted decisions to inscribe the following nominations, on an extended basis as a national extension, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to these decisions, the scope of each inscription has been expanded.
- Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper (inscribed in 2014)
- Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan (inscribed in 2016)
- Traditional skills, techniques and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan (inscribed in 2020)
(Reference1) Inscription on an extended basis as a national extension
Addition of relevant cultural properties to elements already inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
(Reference2) Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Convention was adopted at the 32nd UNESCO General Conference (Accepted by Japan in 2004). As of December 2025, the number of States Parties is 185.
Its objection is to establish a framework of international cooperation and support for the protection of traditional dance, music, theatre, craftsmanship, ritual and festive events, and other forms of intangible cultural heritage against the threat of extinction in order to pass this heritage along to future generations.
(Reference3) The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Based on the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage this list was established to ensure better visibility of the intangible cultural heritage and awareness of its significance, and to encourage dialogue which respects cultural diversity. Japan has 23 elements on this list, including “Traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan”.
(Reference4) Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Committee is an intergovernmental body that has been established based upon the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It consists of 24 members elected from States Parties of the Convention and convenes once a year. Upon the recommendation of the Evaluation Body, the Committee adopts decisions to inscribe each element on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.