Mr Minoru KOBAYASHI

• Chief Senior Specialist, Traditional Culture Division, Cultural Properties Department, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan

• Session 1: Presenter 3

The State of the Safeguarding of Cultural Properties in Japan

The presentation is on the state of the safeguarding of cultural properties in Japan.

The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is implemented with the premise that the properties it covers are protected by safeguarding measures implemented by States. Specifically, to safeguard intangible cultural heritage from within the State, State Parties agree to “take the necessary measures to ensure the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory” (Article 11(a)), and “among the safeguarding measures referred to in Article 2, paragraph 3, identify and define the various elements of the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory, with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non-governmental organizations.” (Article 11(b)).” Furthermore, to ensure increased awareness of intangible cultural heritage and its importance and to encourage dialogue that respects cultural diversity, a Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity based on the nomination files of relevant State Parties is created. The Operational Directives for the Implementation of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage also notes “safeguarding measures are elaborated that may protect and promote the element” as a criterion for inscription on the List.

Based on these points, Japan’s basic principle is to consider nationally-designated intangible cultural properties as those covered under the Convention. We have a key law called the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties and implement various safeguarding measures in accordance with this law and its related regulations. This Law contains text not only on the role of the State but also on the role of local governments, and the State does not intervene directly in the safeguarding measures for bearers (preservation associations or other bearing bodies). Instead, the support system is comprised of three administrative groups including representatives of prefectures or cities, towns, and villages.

Mr. Minoru Kobayashi (Chief Senior Specialist for Cultural Properties, Folk Cultural Properties Section, Traditional Culture Division, Cultural Properties Department, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan)

After completing the doctoral program (first semester) at the graduate school of Seijo University, he became a researcher at the Seijo University Institute for Folklore Studies and a member of the Institute for Japanese Tourism Studies (now called the Institute for the Culture of Travel). He then worked at museums such as the National Museum of Japanese History, administrative institutions such as the Cultural Education and Properties Department of the Chiba Prefectural Board of Education, the Culture Promotion Division of the Chiba Governor’s Branch prior to his current work.