Structured Lists Directory

Overview

Japanese Cultural Property Classification

The Japanese Cultural Property Classification is a systematic categorization of cultural heritage established under the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties (enacted in 1950). It comprises six basic categories: Tangible Cultural Properties, Intangible Cultural Properties, Folk Cultural Properties, Monuments, Cultural Landscapes, and Groups of Traditional Buildings. Each category has designation, selection, and registration systems. Through systems such as National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and Living National Treasures (holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties), Japan aims to protect and preserve cultural heritage of historical, artistic, and academic value.

cultural property cultural heritage National Treasure Important Cultural Property Living National Treasure Agency for Cultural Affairs preservation
code slug name description category designations subcategories
01 tangible-cultural-property Tangible Cultural Properties Tangible cultural products such as buildings, paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Designated Cultural Properties ["National Treasure","Important Cultural Property","Registered Tangible Cultural Property"] ["Buildings","Art and Crafts"]
02 intangible-cultural-property Intangible Cultural Properties Intangible cultural products such as theater, music, and craft techniques. Designated Cultural Properties ["Important Intangible Cultural Property","Registered Intangible Cultural Property"] ["Performing Arts","Craft Techniques"]
03 folk-cultural-property Folk Cultural Properties Customs related to daily life and annual events, folk performing arts, and folk techniques. Designated Cultural Properties ["Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property","Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property","Registered Tangible Folk Cultural Property","Registered Intangible Folk Cultural Property"] ["Tangible Folk Cultural Properties","Intangible Folk Cultural Properties"]
04 monument Monuments Monuments comprising three types: Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments. Designated Cultural Properties ["Special Historic Site","Special Place of Scenic Beauty","Special Natural Monument","Historic Site","Place of Scenic Beauty","Natural Monument","Registered Monument"] ["Historic Sites","Places of Scenic Beauty","Natural Monuments"]
05 cultural-landscape Cultural Landscapes Landscapes formed by peoples lives and livelihoods in harmony with the local climate. Selected Cultural Properties ["Important Cultural Landscape"] ["Landscapes related to agriculture","Landscapes related to mining","Landscapes related to distribution","Landscapes related to residence"]
06 traditional-building-groups Groups of Traditional Buildings Groups of traditional buildings that form historic townscapes. Selected Cultural Properties ["Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings"] ["Castle towns","Post towns","Temple towns","Port towns","Agricultural villages"]
07 buried-cultural-property Buried Cultural Properties Cultural properties buried in the ground. Other Protected Items ["Known buried cultural property sites"] ["Archaeological sites","Artifacts","Archaeological features"]
08 conservation-techniques Selected Conservation Techniques Traditional techniques necessary for preserving cultural properties. Other Protected Items ["Selected Conservation Technique"] ["Building-related techniques","Art-related techniques"]

The classification system for cultural properties in Japan based on the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties.