Intangible Cultural Property (Japan) Explained

An, as defined by the Japanese government's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties (1950), is a part of the Cultural Properties of high historical or artistic value such as drama, music, and craft techniques. The term refers exclusively to human skills possessed by individuals or groups which are indispensable to produce Cultural Properties.^[1]

Items of particular importance can be designated as .^[1] Recognition is also given to the owners of an item to encourage its transmission. There are three types of recognition: individual recognition, collective recognition, and group recognition. Special grants of two million yen a year are given to individual holders (the so-called Living National Treasures) to help protect their properties. The government also contributes part of the expenses incurred either by the holder of an Intangible Cultural Property during training of his successor, or by a recognized group for public performances.^[2]

To promote the understanding, and therefore the transmission across generations, of Cultural Properties, exhibitions concerning them are organized. The government through the Japan Arts Council also holds training workshops and other activities to educate future generations of Noh,, and kabuki personnel.^[2]

Important Intangible Cultural Properties

Performance Traditions

Type	Name	Comments	Registered	Image
	^[3]		1960
	^[4] ^[5]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009	1955
	^[6]		1967
	^[7]		1955
	^[8]		1994
	^[9] ^[10]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008	1957
	^[11]		1998
	^[12]		1992
	^[13]		1998
	^[14]		2009
	^[15] ^[16]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008	1955
	^[17]		1985
	^[18]		1977
	^[19]		1971
	^[20] ^[21]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008	1965
	^[22]		1998
	^[23]		1998
	^[24]		1960
	^[25]		1997
	^[26] ^[27]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010	1972
	^[28]		2005
	^[29]		2006
	^[30]		1993
	^[31]		2001
	^[32]		1999
	^[33]		1993
	^[34]		1993
	^[35]		2009
	^[36]		1994
	^[37]		1980
	^[38]		1998
	^[39]		1999
	^[40]		1993
	^[41]		2007
	^[42]		1982
	^[43]		2007
	^[44]		1992
	^[45]		1995
	^[46]		2001
	^[47]		2001
	^[48]		2003
	^[49]		2003
	^[50]		2009
	^[51]		1974
	^[52]		1987
	^[53]		1993
	^[54]		2000
	^[55]		1993
	^[56]		1955
			2015
	^[57]		2009
	^[58]		1995
	^[59]		2002

Crafts

See also: Japanese craft.

Medium	Name	Comments	Region	Registered	Image
	^[60] ^[61] ^[62] ^[63]	High-fired, unglazed stoneware; one of the six ancient kilns; production in and around Imbe village from the twelfth century		2004
	^[64]	Undecorated white porcelain; influenced by Chinese examples; production began in the Arita area in the first half of the seventeenth century		1995
	^[65] ^[66]	A type of iro-e overglaze enamel, often with a blue under-glaze; from the domain of the Nabeshima clan; production from the second half of the seventeenth century		1976
	^[67] ^[68]	A type of iro-e overglaze enamel; created by Sakaida Kakiemon in the 1640s; nigoshide, the white ground against which the enamels are applied, was revived by Sakaida Kakiemon XII in the 1950s		1971
	^[69] ^[70] ^[71]	Mumyōi is the red ferrous clay of Sado island; production in Aikawa from the early nineteenth century		2003
	^[72] ^[73] ^[74]			1995
	^[75] ^[76]	Black Seto; the colour is obtained by removing the glazed vessel from the kiln at the height of firing and cooling it rapidly; production in Mino Province from the late sixteenth century
	^[77]	The pale-green colour of celadon is obtained from a feldspathic glaze and reduction firing; introduced from the continent		2007
	^[78] ^[79] ^[80]	Stoneware with a white feldspathic glaze; production in Mino Province from the late sixteenth century		1994
	^[81]	Iron-glaze stoneware		2005
	^[82]	Gold leaf or gold enamel is applied to a glazed surface which is then glazed and fired again, enhancing the durability of the decoration		2001
	^[83]			1993
	^[84] ^[85]			1974
	^[86]			2004
	^[87]			1957
	^[88]			1978
	^[89]	Vertical brocade of ancient origin, revived by Kitamura Takeshi		2000
	^[90] ^[91]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010		1956
	^[92]			2003
	^[93]			1978
	^[94]	Stencil or resist paste weave; in the eighteenth century its use by commoners was restricted		1996
	^[95]	Brocade that developed in the early nineteenth century and was widespread by the early twentieth		1994
	^[96]			1997
	^[97]			1998
	^[98] ^[99]	Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009		1955
	^[100]			2002
	^[101]	Woven from hand-spun silk floss		1990
	^[102]	Bashō-fibre cloth		2000
	^[103]			2008
	^[104] ^[105]	Figured gauze weave silk
	^[106] ^[107]			1955
	^[108]			1999
	^[109] ^[110]			1995
	^[111] ^[112] ^[113]	Incised and filled with gold leaf or powder applied over wet lacquer; popular in China from the Song dynasty and particularly associated with Wajima ware		1999
	^[114] ^[115]			1985
	^[116] ^[117]	Sequential lacquering technique with four main phases: substrate, priming, intermediate coating, and top coating		1974
	^[118] ^[119]			1955
	^[120] ^[121]			1999
	^[122] ^[123] ^[124]	A mixture of burned diatomaceous earth, rice paste, and lacquer is used for the layers of undercoat; the earliest example, the doors of Juzo Jinja, date to 1524		1977
	^[125] ^[126]			1978
	^[127] ^[128]			1993
				1975
	^[129]	Gongs		2002
	^[130] ^[131]			1995
	^[132]			1982
	^[133]			1984
	^[134] ^[135]	Costume dolls, dressed in tailored clothing made from dyed and woven textiles		1986
	^[136]	Paulownia sawdust, mixed with wheat starch and plum paste, is used to form a plaster for casting; once dry it is hard enough to be sculpted		2002
	^[137] ^[138] ^[139]			2000
	^[140] ^[141]			1969
	^[142]			1978
	^[143] ^[144]	Made from the ganpi plant		2002
	^[145] ^[146]	The strongest paper produced in Japan; used for shōji, calligraphy, and conservation-restoration; inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009		1969
	^[147] ^[148]	A very fine, strong paper developed around 1900 by Genta Yoshii		2001

See also

• For lists of holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, see List of Living National Treasures of Japan (crafts) and List of Living National Treasures of Japan (performing arts)
• Cultural Properties of Japan
• Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Philippines
• Important Intangible Cultural Properties of Korea
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

External links

• Cultural properties database
• Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Japan
• JAANUS - dictionary of terms

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cultural Properties for Future Generations . June 2007 . Administration of Cultural Affairs in Japan ― Fiscal 2009 . . PDF . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090327083232/http://www.bunka.go.jp/bunkazai/pamphlet/pdf/pamphlet_en_03.pdf. 2009-03-27.
2. Web site: Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Properties . 2009 . Administration of Cultural Affairs in Japan ― Fiscal 2009 . . PDF . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071110143150/http://www.bunka.go.jp/english/pdf/chapter_06.pdf . 2007-11-10.
3. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-01-12 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121021034424/http://www.city.narita.chiba.jp/DAT/p16_5.pdf . 21 October 2012 . dmy-all .
4. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
5. Web site: Gagaku . . 2 May 2011.
6. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
7. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
8. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
9. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
10. Web site: Nôgaku Theatre . . 3 May 2011.
11. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
12. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
13. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
14. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
15. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
16. Web site: Ningyo Johruri Bunraku Puppet Theatre . . 2 May 2011.
17. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
18. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
19. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
20. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
21. Web site: Kabuki Theatre . . 2 May 2011.
22. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
23. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
24. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
25. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
26. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
27. Web site: Kumiodori, traditional Okinawan musical theatre . . 2 May 2011.
28. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
29. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
30. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
31. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
32. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
33. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
34. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
35. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
36. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
37. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
38. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
39. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
40. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
41. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
42. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
43. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
44. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
45. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
46. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
47. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
48. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
49. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
50. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
51. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
52. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
53. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
54. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
55. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
56. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
57. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
58. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
59. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 2 May 2011.
60. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
61. Book: Inside Japanese Ceramics: A Primer of Materials, Techniques, and Traditions . Wilson, Richard L. . . 155–8 . 1995 . 978-0-8348-0442-5.
62. Book: Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan . Rousmaniere, Nicole . 2007 . . 158–160 . 978-0-7141-2448-3.
63. Web site: Bizenyaki . . 2 May 2011.
64. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
65. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
66. Book: The Art of Japanese Ceramics . Mikami, Tsugio . . 162–9 . 1972 . 978-0-8348-1000-6.
67. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
68. Web site: Kakiemon ware lidded jar . . 2 May 2011.
69. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
70. Book: The Art of Japanese Ceramics . Mikami, Tsugio . . 182 . 1972 . 978-0-8348-1000-6.
71. Web site: Arts and Crafts - Mumyoi-yaki . Sado Tourism Association . 2 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101030023831/http://www.visitsado.com/en/01outline/05culture/index.shtml . 30 October 2010 .
72. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
73. Book: Inside Japanese Ceramics: A Primer of Materials, Techniques, and Traditions . Wilson, Richard L. . . 108 . 1995 . 978-0-8348-0442-5.
74. Web site: Ceramic Art and Crafts - 20.Onta-yaki . . 2 May 2011.
75. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
76. Web site: Setoyaki . . 2 May 2011.
77. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
78. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
79. Book: Classic stoneware of Japan: Shino and Oribe . Kuroda, Ryōji . Murayama, Takeshi . . 2002 . 978-4-7700-2897-6.
80. Web site: Shinoyaki . . 2 May 2011.
81. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
82. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
83. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
84. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
85. Book: Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan . Rousmaniere, Nicole . 2007 . . 160–2 . 978-0-7141-2448-3.
86. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
87. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
88. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
89. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
90. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
91. Web site: Yuki-tsumugi, silk fabric production technique . . 18 March 2011.
92. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
93. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
94. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
95. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
96. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
97. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
98. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
99. Web site: Ojiya-chijimi, Echigo-jofu: techniques of making ramie fabric in Uonuma region, Niigata Prefecture . . 2 May 2011.
100. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
101. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
102. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
103. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
104. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
105. Web site: Weaving . . 2 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110511082638/http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/k/kimono-weaving-techniques/ . 11 May 2011 .
106. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
107. Web site: Yuuzenzome . . 2 May 2011.
108. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
109. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
110. Web site: Ra . . 2 May 2011.
111. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
112. Book: Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan . Rousmaniere, Nicole . 2007 . . 162–4 . 978-0-7141-2448-3.
113. Web site: Chinkin . . 2 May 2011.
114. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
115. Web site: Kinma . . 2 May 2011.
116. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
117. Book: Urushi: Proceedings of the Urushi Study Group, June 10-27, 1985, Tokyo . Bromelle, N. S. . Smith, Perry . The Kyushitsu Technique Demonstrated on a Natsume . Ōba, Shogyo . . 1988 . 978-0-89236-096-3 . 91–94.
118. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
119. Web site: Makie . . 2 May 2011.
120. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
121. Web site: Raden . . 2 May 2011.
122. Web site: Wajima Lacquerware . . 2 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110111134701/http://shofu.pref.ishikawa.jp/shofu/wajima_e/main.html . 11 January 2011 .
123. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
124. Book: Japanese Crafts . The Japan Craft Forum . . 1996 . 86f . 978-4-7700-2734-4.
125. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
126. Web site: Choukin . . 2 May 2011.
127. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
128. Web site: Chuukin . . 2 May 2011.
129. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
130. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
131. Web site: Tankin . . 2 May 2011.
132. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
133. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
134. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
135. Book: Crafting Beauty in Modern Japan . Rousmaniere, Nicole . 2007 . . 166 . 978-0-7141-2448-3.
136. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
137. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
138. Book: Japanese Crafts . The Japan Craft Forum . . 1996 . 112f . 978-4-7700-2734-4.
139. Web site: Housho . . 2 May 2011.
140. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
141. Web site: Minogami . . 2 May 2011.
142. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
143. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
144. Web site: Ganpishi . . 2 May 2011.
145. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
146. Web site: Sekishu-Banshi . . 2 May 2011.
147. Web site: Database of Registered National Cultural Properties . . 15 March 2011.
148. Web site: Tosa Paper . The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries . 2 May 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110809054337/http://kougeihin.jp/en/crafts/introduction/paper/2956?m=cu . 9 August 2011 .