In determining the theme for the Seminar each year, we have considered the general trend concerning issues of cultural preservation in Asian countries. The theme for this year, "The World Cultural Heritage in Asian Countries - Sustainable Development and Conservation," was chosen in view of the fact that this year marks the 100^th anniversary of the enactment of a law for the preservation of monuments, like shrines and temples, as well as fine and applied works of art. Furthermore, with the ratification of the World Heritage Convention by Japan in 1992, followed by Korea, the question of the protection of cultural heritage in the world has clearly become an issue common to Asian countries. This fact was also taken into account in deciding the theme.

With regard to the protection of cultural heritage in the world, the Agency for Cultural Affairs held the "Nara Conference" in 1994. During this meeting, discussions were held, in an attempt to set forth a common understanding throughout the world where varied cultures co-exist, of the concept of authenticity as indicated in the management standards for the World Heritage Convention. The results of these discussions marked a significant step in the history of the World Heritage Convention. I believe, however, that the management standards for the World Heritage Convention require that we consider further practical aspects as well. For example, these standards call for the establishment of a special buffer zone around a heritage site. This is something that has not been done in the 100 years' history of the legal protection of monuments like shrines and temples in Japan - that is, of memorable objects and cultural heritage. But I think there is a greater significance than its being simply a matter of technical procedure.

That the administration for the protection of cultural properties has sought to preserve a greater number of cultural properties is a fact that is not limited to Japan alone. It is difficult to establish a law that may inhibit personal rights in areas surrounding particular objects or sites whose values are recognized. Yet objectively, it is a fact that, when we consider the results of policies for high economic growth and national land development that began in the 1960's and continued for some 30 years, we cannot but sigh at the tremendous changes that have taken place around the environment of memorable objects and cultural heritage. There are not a few sites where such changes have occurred. We cannot but realize that memorable objects and cultural heritage are, in fact, often influenced by the environment. The idea of a buffer zone was thrust in the midst of the administration for the protection of memorable objects and cultural heritage that have been influenced by such environmental changes. In today's social circumstances that place priority on economic activities, this is a kind of cultural challenge. This challenge suggests that we need to consider issues of the protection of memorable objects and cultural heritage closely with urban policies and theory of urbanism. To answer such a challenge is by no means easy, but I think that from such difficulty may come new wisdom and measures. At any rate, thinking about the present conditions concerning the protection of cultural heritage in the world, including the issue of buffer zones, along the lines of reality will, I am certain, open policy-making prospects for the future of these world cultural heritage. At the same time, I think that it will also shed some light on the policy for the protection of memorable objects and cultural heritage of each country. So, in that sense, I hope that there will be a candid and constructive exchange of opinions among the specialists participating in this Seminar.