OUR MISSION
Cultural heritage has been protected by particular groups of people as a source of the identity they inherited from their ancestors. It is also an irreplaceable testimony to the history of mankind that should be referred to in building man’s future. On the other hand, it is also a fact that much cultural heritage is facing the risk of degradation, destruction, and disappearance without being given sufficient protection for different reasons. Cooperation in the protection of cultural heritage is becoming increasingly important as a means of facilitating cultural exchange and mutual understanding among various countries.
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation, the national center for promoting international cooperation in terms of conservation and restoration as well as research of cultural heritage, continues to conduct cooperation projects in various parts of the world actively. The Center’s activities range over diverse areas related to the protection of cultural heritage, such as the collection, study, and dissemination of international information, the implementation of cooperation projects, and capacity development in conservation.
The Center consists of three sections, namely Resource and Systems Research Section, Conservation Design Section, and Conservation Practice Section. It also coordinates activities with the International Cooperation Section of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, connecting the two research institutes for cultural properties based in Tokyo and Nara, for effective implementation of the Institutes’ internationally-related activities.
News & Column
- Visit of the Coordinator for International Cooperation from the Cultural Heritage Agency of the NetherlandsOn October 9, Mr. Remco Vermeulen, Coordinator for International Cooperation at the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, visited our center. Mr. Vermeulen was in Japan to participate in collaborative activities with the National Museum of Ethnology (MINPAKU), focusing on exploring inclusive and collaborative engagement in cultural heritage. Accompanied by Ms. CHIU Chunni from MINPAKU,… Read more: Visit of the Coordinator for International Cooperation from the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
- Study Tour on JPC 2025TOBUNKEN held the International Course on the Conservation of Japanese Paper, from 25 August to 12 September, co-organised with ICCROM. From September 1st to 5th, we went on a study tour to Mino, Nagoya, and Kyoto to observe and deepen our knowledge of practical conservation work. In Mino, we visited Mino Washi Museum, Hon-minoshi papermaking… Read more: Study Tour on JPC 2025
- [AI Transcript] Excavation at Kale Kub in Southern Khorasan province of Iran Sorry, this column does not yet include English text. → Google Translate Top:General view of the excavation site at Kale Kub
- Visit of Researchers from Restoration Technology Division, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, KoreaOn September 18, four researchers from the Restoration Technology Division of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, including Senior Research Official Kwon Hyuk-nam, visited our institute. The purpose of their visit was to study the status of researchers and research institutes in Japan concerning the use of drying oils as coatings or paints… Read more: Visit of Researchers from Restoration Technology Division, National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea
- International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper 2025 Begins in TokyoThe International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper co-hosted by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), commenced on Monday, August 25, 2025. Known for its long history and popularity among ICCROM's training programs, this year's course… Read more: International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper 2025 Begins in Tokyo