ABSTRACT
With a remarkably rich tradition of architecture and building craftsmanship, Japan has established itself as a global leader in the scholarship and practice of cultural heritage protection during the second half of the twentieth century. The Japanese government has developed a robust system for identifying and documenting cultural assets, both movable and immovable. Through this framework the country prioritizes and protects its considerable cultural resources. Japan’s long tradition of appreciating quality and rarity in the arts strongly continues today, as is indicated by annual declarations of highly accomplished artisans and craftspeople. Japan’s most signicant buildings and works of art are designated as National Treasures; its best architectural craftsmen are honored as being holders of important intangible cultural heritage, and are commonly cited as Living National Treasures.1
