International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper in Latin America 2025

Commemorative photo with trainees, the Latin team, ICCROM representatives, and the Japanese team

Practical training session conducted by the Japanese team

　The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) has jointly organized the ‘International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper in Latin America’ in Mexico City since 2012, together with ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property) and CNCPC-INAH (The National Center for Cultural Preservation, The National Institute of Anthropology and History). Compared to North America and Europe, the Latin American region is considered to have fewer opportunities for training and information exchange regarding cultural property conservation and restoration. Therefore, by targeting this region, the training program aims to contribute to the preservation and restoration of paper cultural properties in the region.

　The course was held from November 12 to 26, 2025, marking its ninth edition, welcoming a total of nine trainees from six countries: the Argentine Republic, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Republic of Chile, the Republic of Colombia, the Republic of Guatemala, and the United Mexican States.

　The first half of the training was conducted by the Japanese team of instructors and the second half by the Latin team of instructors from the United Mexican States and the Kingdom of Spain. The first half provided foundational knowledge on Japanese restoration techniques for paper-based cultural properties, including lectures on washi, traditional Japanese paper, and restoration techniques for such materials. Practical sessions focused on highly applicable techniques, tools, and materials.

　Participants expressed very high satisfaction with the training. They greatly valued the opportunity to learn directly through hands-on experience with washi and Japanese techniques, and to gain an understanding of the underlying philosophy behind them.

　Furthermore, the instructors for the Latin team included Mexican experts who had previously attended the courses, including the ‘International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper’ at TOBUNKEN, which has been running for over 30 years. This steady capacity building abroad represents a significant achievement for our institute. We hope the techniques, knowledge, and personal connections fostered during this training will further contribute to the preservation of cultural properties both domestically and internationally.

International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper 2025

Practical work in restoration techniques for mounts

Visiting a hand-made paper (Homminoshi) studio

　The ‘International Training Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper’ is jointly organized by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and the intergovernmental organization ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property). The course started in 1992 and has a good reputation. This year, 166 candidates applied and 10 trainees participated in the program from 25 August to 12 September.

　Washi, traditional Japanese paper, is made of plant fiber from the kozo, a kind of mulberry tree. Characterized by its long fibers, it is thin yet strong, and its durability and texture that does not damage cultural properties make it an excellent restoration material. It is used for restoration of artworks in various countries.

　The program included lectures on protection systems for paper and cultural properties of Japan and practical training in ‘Restoration Techniques for Mounts,’ which is a national designated restoration technique. While participants have already gained experience as paper conservators in their respective workplaces, the workshop provided an opportunity to reinforce appropriate knowledge, including skills of using Japanese tools and materials. Participants’ feedback has been positive and mentioned that they would share their experiences with colleagues and students upon returning home and recommend this training program to others.

　This training program also aims to facilitate interaction among trainees themselves, between trainees and Japanese expert instructors, and with manufacturers of restoration materials and tools through field visits. These interactions are not only a benefit for participants but also an opportunity to motivate Japanese experts and manufacturers of tools and materials. We also intend to continue organizing future training programs with the aim of serving as a bridge between experts and manufacturers, who are experts in Japan and overseas engaging in conservation and restoration of cultural properties, and manufacturers of tools and materials for restoration of cultural properties.