ブックタイトル「近代の文化遺産の保存理念と修復理念」英語版

概要

「近代の文化遺産の保存理念と修復理念」英語版

69● A culture that seeks beauty in perishing : Regarding Hashima Island or Gunkan-jimaQuestion 2 Participant 2 :I think that the Japanese are a people that have a culture of respecting those that perish. From thispoint of view, I found Hashima Island, otherwise known as Gunkan-jima, to be properties withdifficult issues that perfectly match the theme of today’s discussions. I would like to hear what youthink of the conditions of this island, including personal opinions.Answer 2-1 Takashi Itoh :Although I am not directly involved in the project, I have been there for visits twice. The foundationsof concrete buildings were exposed and broken in places. The form of Gunkan-jima is veryimpressive. If this were to be preserved as a cultural property, there would be different opinions. Ithink many difficulties would have to be faced in its preservation. The costs for protection would beexponential and therefore, I would like to suggest leaving it to perish over time. What is important,in this case, is for it to be preserved for its landscape as Gunkan-jima, literally meaning battleshipisland,for its form. This may be an irresponsible opinion, but it can be one way of saving the imageof a battleship. Concrete would be difficult to reinforce, so if there are architectural drawings,they can be recreated as replicas. This property can be preserved employing the method of “formpreservation.”Answer 2-2 Jun Suzuki :I regret that there are ideas of placing importance only on the manufacturing facilities there and noton other remaining items. Today, although my lecture was from the viewpoint of history studies inindustrial technology, I believe that relics other than manufacturing facilities also have significanceas cultural properties. On the other hand, while there were many people that once lived on the island,if questioned whether all properties that convey their past lives could be preserved, it would be verydifficult.　I once had a chance to talk to a person who took part in the original construction of apartmenthouses on the island. He said that the houses would soon become deteriorated and not last long,so from the very beginning, they were planning to rebuild. Looking at the complex as a relic ofindustrial technology, there is no need to make these buildings last forever. Rather, what we can dotoday is to take accurate records of the site. For example, with the kitchen hearth, differences amongeach housing unit can be focused on. Preservation of such objects would be meaningful and recordsof details would be essential in future reconstruction.　The reason life studies did not develop in Japan is because the Japanese have not been able to takepride in their history or to look directly back at the history which their ancestors experienced.