Research Exchange with the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures: Meetings and Lectures in the United Kingdom

Consultations at the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures

Lecture at SOAS

　The Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC), located in Norwich, United Kingdom, is one of the leading centers for the study of Japanese art and culture in Europe. Since fiscal year 2013, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has continuously carried out joint projects with SISJAC. As part of this collaboration, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information dispatches researchers to the United Kingdom each year to engage in consultations and deliver lectures. In fiscal year 2025, two researchers— Mr. TASHIRO Yuichiro and Ms. YOSHIDA Akiko—visited the UK for this purpose.

　During this visit, on December 4, Mr. TASHIRO delivered a lecture entitled “Japanese Residents of Colonial Korea and Their Relationship with Ceramics” at Earlham Hall, University of East Anglia. This lecture was held alongside presentations by Simon Kaner, Director of SISJAC, and Lera Mason, a Professor at the University of East Anglia. A panel discussion involving all three speakers followed the lectures.

　After the lecture, Mr. TASHIRO and Ms. YOSHIDA met with SISJAC members, including Associate Professor Eugenia Bogdanova-Kummer, to discuss future collaborative projects. On this occasion, Ms YOSHIDA, who is also scheduled to give a lecture in the following fiscal year, delivered a presentation, and through an exchange of views, participants discussed approaches to fostering more productive research exchange from the next year onward.

　On the following day, December 5, the delegation traveled from Norwich to London. Under the moderation of Bogdanova-Kummer, Mr. TASHIRO gave a lecture entitled “Japanese ‘Kottō’ Culture and Korean Ceramics” at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. A discussion with students enrolled at SOAS followed the lecture.

　In addition to such research exchanges, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information is also working jointly with SISJAC on a database project that involves compiling information on exhibitions of Japanese art held in Europe and North America*. Moving forward, by strengthening collaboration with SISJAC through the dual pillars of “research” and “archives,” the Institute hopes to contribute further to academic research in both Japan and the United Kingdom.

*Information on Art Exhibitions and Film Festivals Held Outside Japan

Visitors from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea

A tour, guided by Mr. KIKKAWA Hideki

　On December 18, 2025, a delegation from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA) visited the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN). Founded in 1969, MMCA is a national museum under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and currently operates four venues, in Gwacheon, Seoul, Deoksugung, and Cheongju. Unlike many contemporary art museums in Japan, MMCA also includes modern art within its scope of collection and research, and is widely recognized as a leading institution representing modern and contemporary Korean art.

　In June, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems at TOBUNKEN conducted a project titled “Survey of the Current State of Art Archives in Korea”* as part of the broader research initiative “Comprehensive Research on the Sharing of Research Findings and Scholarly Information on Cultural Properties” (Project Code: SH01). During this survey, representatives of the Institute visited and examined the archives of MMCA. This time, in a reciprocal exchange, representatives from MMCA visited Japan. The delegation consisted of three members: archivist Ms. Lee Ji-hee (이지희), Research Fellow; Ms. Park Hye-seong (박혜성), Curator; and Ms. Kim Su-jin (김수진), Head of the Collection Management Division.

　Prior to this visit, Mr. KIKKAWA Hideki, Head of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Visual Arts, and Mr. TASHIRO Yuichiro, Research Fellow of the Department of Cultural Property Archives, who had visited Korea in June, held an online meeting on October 15 with MMCA archive staff. During this meeting, they delivered a presentation on the history of TOBUNKEN, and on the formation process and distinctive characteristics of its collections. Building on these preliminary exchanges, the focus of the present visit was placed on viewing and examining actual archival materials.

　Guided by Mr. KIKKAWA and Mr. TASHIRO, the delegation toured the reading room and storage facilities in sequence, examining a wide range of materials. Particular attention was given to gallery and exhibition-related materials concerning Korean (formerly referred to as Chosŏn) artists who resided in Japan. Since its establishment in 1930 as the Art Research Institute, attached to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, the Institute has accumulated materials contemporaneously with their production. As a result, its collections are especially rich in resources related to modern and contemporary art, many of which hold significant value for the study of Korean art history. Similarly, MMCA has focused its collecting activities on modern and contemporary art, and the two institutions’ collections share many common characteristics.

　In the discussions following the tour, it was confirmed that the collections of TOBUNKEN and MMCA are mutually complementary, and that further research collaboration could contribute meaningfully to the field of art history in both Japan and Korea. By moving beyond one-time exchanges and continuing to share information and deepen cooperation on an ongoing basis, it is hoped that a more fruitful and sustainable partnership can be developed.

*Activity Report, June 2025: “Survey of the Current State of Art Archives in Korea”
https://www.tobunken.go.jp/materials/katudo/2396756.html

Observation of the Twentieth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO

[Photo 1] The moment India's nominated "Deepavali" was inscribed on the Representative List

[Photo 2] Delegation of Sudan described the status of cultural heritage in the midst of armed conflict

[Photo 3] Scene after the closing of the Intergovernmental Committee session

　The Twentieth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO was held in New Delhi, India, from December 8th to 13th, 2025. The venue was the Red Fort (Lal Qila), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three researchers from the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties attended the meeting as observers.

　No new element was nominated by Japan this time; however, extension of three elements,  "Traditional skills, techniques and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan," "Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper," and "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan" was adopted. The extension allows new elements to be added to existing elements, a new procedure that began in the 2024 cycle. For example, "Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper" previously consisted of three elements: "Sekishu Banshi," "Honmino Paper," and "Hosokawa Paper," while this time "Echizen Torinoko Paper" has been added

　Currently, Japan is practically limited to proposing new elements once every two years; however, there are no restrictions concerning an extension of an element. The number of Japanese elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity remains at twenty-three, but several intangible cultural properties, intangible folk cultural properties, and selected conservation techniques have been added as elements.

　Extension of elements has also been applied to elements of multinational nomination. For example, an element from Uzbekistan was added to "Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz and Kazakh yurts (Turkic nomadic dwellings)," and the name of the element was changed to "Traditional knowledge and skills in making Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Karakalpakh yurts (Turkic nomadic dwellings)." UNESCO encourages multinational nomination from the perspective of deepening dialogue and mutual understanding between countries, and it is possible that this trend will become even more widespread in the future.

　It was notable that representatives from countries currently in the midst of armed conflict, including Ukraine and Sudan, expressed concern over the situation in which intangible cultural heritage is in during emergencies, as well as their perspectives on the significance of the role that cultural heritage plays in peacebuilding.

　As India, the host country, is a culturally diverse country, a variety of cultural performances, including traditional performing arts, were showcased during intermissions and side events. Immediately after the session closed, a band appeared in the venue, and the atmosphere became like a dance floor, with participants and secretariat staff joining in together.

　The next session of the Intergovernmental Committee is scheduled to be held in Xiamen, China, from November 30 to December 5, 2026.

The 20th Conference on Intangible Folk Cultural Properties: Safeguarding and Utilizing Folk Cultural Properties through Networks

The scene of the general discussion

　On December 5, 2025, the 20th Conference on Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, titled “Safeguarding and Utilizing Folk Cultural Properties through Networks,” was held at the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.

　Six years have passed since the 2019 amendment to the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, which explicitly emphasized the “utilization” of cultural properties. However, amid the ongoing reduction of budgets and personnel, many local governments continue to struggle with how cultural properties can be effectively utilized in practice. In the field of folk cultural properties in particular, preservation and transmission themselves remain pressing challenges, even before utilization can be considered.

　This year’s council focused on “networking” as one possible approach to addressing these issues. Presentations introduced practical examples of networks not only for intangible folk cultural properties—such as folk performing arts and folk techniques—but also for tangible folk cultural properties that are inseparably connected to them. Reports were given on initiatives being undertaken in various regions across Japan.

　Through the presentations and subsequent discussions, the significance of networks and the roles they can play were reaffirmed on the basis of concrete case studies. Presenters noted that incorporating external and comparative perspectives through networks can lead to the rediscovery of cultural value and foster more positive attitudes toward preservation. Sharing challenges and solutions was also shown to broaden the range of options and reference points when facing critical decisions. In addition, the presence of “peers” within a network enables day-to-day consultation and mutual encouragement, becoming an important support mechanism for preservation and transmission efforts. The discussions also addressed practical measures for sustaining networks, including organizational frameworks and the securing of human and financial resources.

　Some participants commented that “this council itself functions as a network.” The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage aims to continue serving as a hub for information sharing and dissemination through conferences such as this, thereby supporting the further development of networks.
A full report of the conference will be compiled within the current fiscal year and made available in PDF format on the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage website.

World Heritage Seminar: “Expansion of ‘Heritage’ beyond Boundaries”

Information leaflet (front)

Scene of the seminar

　Since 2018, the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation (JCICC) has been hosting the annual World Heritage Seminar, primarily for staff of administrative institutions responsible for World Heritage sites, to share and disseminate the latest information and discussions. In Fiscal Year 2025, we revisited the core meaning of “heritage” that we aim to safeguard through our daily work, under the theme “Expansion of ‘Heritage’ Beyond Boundaries: Bridging People’s Lives, Beliefs, and Circumstances.” A total of 111 participants from all over Japan attended the in-person meeting held on December 22 at our premises.

　After Dr. SUZUKI Chihei (Agency for Cultural Affairs) presented his report titled “Trends in World Heritage,” summarizing the discussions and decisions of the 47th World Heritage Committee held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris last July, Mr. KANAI Ken, Head of the Resource and Systems Research Section at the JCICC, opened the seminar by explaining its objectives. In the first half of the meeting, two lectures and two case studies were presented. 

　For the lectures, Dr. ITO Fumihiko (Mie Prefectural Saiku Historical Museum) delivered a talk titled “How to Understand ‘Heritage’ in the Context of Complex Cultural Heritage,” focusing on ‘route’ heritage, which encompasses diverse heritage values such as tangible and intangible properties, landscapes, and archaeological sites. Following this, Dr. MATSUURA Kazunosuke (JCICC) presented comparative examples from leading international cases, drawing on his expertise in archaeological protection in relationship with landscape, in a lecture titled “The World Heritage Site ‘Archaeological Area of Agrigento’ and the Archaeological Park System in Sicily.” 

　For the case studies, concrete efforts in value assessment and conservation were introduced. Mr. EBESU Hikaru (Ehime University) presented the “Shikoku Pilgrimage,” a World Heritage candidate involving cooperative initiatives among the four prefectures of Shikoku Island. Ms. TSUCHIYA Mizuho (Osaka Prefectural Education Agency) then introduced the World Heritage Site “Mozu–Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan,” highlighting its status as an active imperial mausoleum and its growing popularity as a pilgrimage destination among recent Kofun enthusiasts.

　In the second half of the meeting, a panel discussion was held with all five presenters. Together with questions from the audience, we engaged in a productive debate on topics such as the essential sources of heritage value, ways to safeguard and enhance that value, and the meaning of “heritage” within the World Heritage framework.

　We are currently compiling the contents of the lectures, case studies, and panel discussions into a progress report, which will be published by March of this year. Progress reports from past World Heritage Seminars have also been published, and several of them are available in downloadable PDF format on our website. We encourage you to take a look.

Field Activities for the Conservation and Sustainable Development of Ta Nei Temple in Angkor, Cambodia (Part XX) – Preliminary Investigation for Conservation and Restoration of the Cruciform Terrace in front of the Central Complex (part 3)

Relocation of the Naga balustrade components

Temporary storage for the Naga balustrade components after the relocation

　In the collaborative project with the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA National Authority) at Ta Nei Temple, a preliminary investigation aimed at the conservation and restoration of the Cruciform Terrace has been on-going since 2024. Located at the front of the Central Complex, the Cruciform Terrace is an important architectural component in terms of the temple landscape. This Terrace is currently in a state of severe deformation and many areas of the pavement and side walls are in a state of collapse due to factors such as tree growth and the loss of inner soil layer. In addition, investigations to date have revealed that some structural elements—particularly from the middle layer of the side walls of the Terrace—were intentionally removed, a factor that is also considered to have caused the deterioration.

　Excavation of the scattered stones around this Terrace has resulted in the identification of a total of 152 stone elements. Classification based on form and decoration indicates that approximately half of these are components of the Naga balustrade that originally bordered the outer edge of the Terrace surface. From November 16 to December 4, 2025, two staff members from the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation were dispatched, and these Naga balustrade elements were relocated and arranged to a temporary storage area in collaboration with staff members from APSARA National Authority. In parallel with the documentation of each element,  trial assembling, together with investigation regarding their construction techniques, were conducted. As a result, four balustrade elements were successfully recomposed from multiple fragments, and new insights were gained into the techniques used to build up the stone members.

　Progress of the investigations to date is reported in the activity reports listed below.
– Preliminary Investigation (part 1)
（URL：https://www.tobunken.go.jp/materials/ekatudo/2385461.html）
– Preliminary Investigation (part 2)
（URL：https://www.tobunken.go.jp/materials/ekatudo/2403881.html）