| ■Tokyo National Research
Institute for Cultural Properties |
■Center for Conservation
Science |
| ■Department of Art Research,
Archives and Information Systems |
■Japan Center for
International Cooperation in Conservation |
| ■Department of Intangible
Cultural Heritage |
|
Main venue; Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO)
Discussion regarding inclusion of the Palace and Abbey of Westminster on the List of World Heritage in Danger
The 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee took place in Busan, Republic of Korea from July 19 to 29, 2026; three members of our institute, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN), participated in the event as observers. In addition, on July 25, the Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage – for which our institute serves as the secretariat – organized a side event, attended by five members from TOBUNKEN and three members from the Regional Subcommittee to present the Consortium’s objectives, activities, achievements and future prospects. An overview, as well as details about this event are available on the Consortium’s website, which we invite you to visit (https://www.jcic-heritage.jp/). Compared with the previous years, and thanks to the geographical proximity of the two countries, there was a significantly larger Japanese turnout for the inscription of the “Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara,” and also for a side event organized for July 24 by the Preservation and Utilization Council of “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region,”
This year, the total number of World Heritage sites has reached 1,273 thanks to 25 new inscriptions, including those made under emergency procedures for conflict zones such as Palestine and Lebanon. A series of decisions was also adopted that significantly reflect the impact of armed conflicts on 6 sites – located in the aforementioned countries and in Ukraine – leading to their inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Regarding Japan, in addition to the inscription of the Asuka-Fujiwara site, further improvement of the information and interpretation facilities for the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” was requested by a related State Party concerned. Evolving concepts regarding the conservation of World Heritage are being applied retroactively; debates have arisen concerning two cultural heritage sites in London, United Kingdom, that lack a buffer zone, focusing on the negative impacts of urban development on their setting and their potential inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Although inclusion of these sites on that list was ultimately avoided, the challenges associated with preserving cultural heritage sites located in urban areas are highly relevant to Japan as well.
The World Heritage system has thus far been guided by five fundamental objectives, known as the “5Cs” (Credibility, Conservation, Capacity Building, Communication, and Communities); the Busan Declaration unanimously introduced a sixth “C,” that of “Cooperation,” to address issues such as armed conflict and climate change, which require a more cohesive commitment from the international community. Regarding the Nairobi Declaration on Heritage and Authenticity, while the importance of intangible aspects – such as oral traditions and spirituality – has been reaffirmed, challenges have arisen concerning the integration of these components into the World Heritage system, which was conceived primarily for the conservation of immovable properties. In light of these developments, TOBUNKEN will dedicate this year’s World Heritage seminar to the theme “World Heritage within the local community” and continue its efforts to disseminate relevant information.
Work in progress at St. Michael’s Church
Condition of a painting in the nave before cleaning treatment
Condition of the painting after cleaning treatment
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage is conducting a joint research project on the conservation and restoration of wall paintings on the interior walls of St. Michael’s Church (Keşlik Monastery) in Cappadocia, Türkiye, in cooperation with domestic and international experts and academic institutions.
From June 26 to July 19, 2026, an on-site investigation and conservation work were carried out based on the conservation and restoration plans developed through previous field surveys. The project focused on the apse and nave of the church, where surface cleaning of the wall paintings, filling of losses, and color retouching were conducted.
Attention was focused on the nave, in which thick layers of soot, oily residues, and resinous deposits derived from candles, oil lamps, and incense used over many years had accumulated on the painted surfaces. These issues had not been fully identified through prior visual inspections or scientific investigations alone. Therefore, repeated cleaning tests and careful evaluations were conducted, leading to the establishment of a safe and effective cleaning method using a poultice technique. As a result, the original colors and delicate details of the wall paintings were successfully brought back to light, while iconographic elements and inscriptions that had remained hidden beneath the accumulated deposits and unseen by human eyes for approximately 200 years were revealed for the first time. This achievement not only enabled a renewed appreciation of the original appearance of the wall paintings but also contributed significantly to a reassessment of their iconographic and historical value.
Alongside the conservation work, investigations into the causes of deterioration and evaluations of the effectiveness of the conservation treatments were continuously conducted, while promoting technology transfer and capacity building among local specialists. Through three years of collaborative research, the effectiveness and safety of the selected conservation materials and treatment methods were confirmed, establishing a foundation for the development of conservation approaches suited to the environmental conditions and characteristics of wall paintings in this region. Furthermore, improvements in the conservation skills of local specialists were observed, along with a deeper understanding of deterioration mechanisms and conservation treatments, contributing to the development of human resources capable of undertaking future conservation activities.
This project has contributed not only to the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, but also to the strengthening of international collaborative research and the promotion of academic and professional exchange between research institutions in Japan and Türkiye. During the investigation period, more than 300 visitors came to observe the conservation activities, demonstrating a high level of interest from the local community. Furthermore, the project received recognition from the Governor of Nevşehir Province, which oversees the Cappadocia region, who expressed his appreciation for the initiative, reflecting strong expectations and support from local authorities. In the coming years, remaining retouching work and treatments addressing salt deterioration will be carried out, together with continuous monitoring to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the conservation treatments.
The workshop in progress
3D documentation using Agisoft Metashape and iPhone Scaniverse has recently been introduced, and is rapidly coming into use. The introduction of these technologies not only can reduce working time but also makes it possible to document cultural heritage with unprecedented precision.
A three-day workshop on 3D digital documentation for Japanese experts involved in cultural heritage protection abroad was held from July 18 to 20, 2026. Dr. NOGUCHI Atsushi from Komatsu University, a leading authority on 3D documentation in Japan, and Dr. NAKAMURA Ryosuke from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) were invited as lecturers. The main aim of this workshop was to provide Japanese experts with 3D documentation techniques that they could then spread them among foreign experts in their respective fields.
Twenty-two specialists with a variety of backgrounds in areas such as archaeology, conservation science, and architecture joined this workshop. During the three-day workshop, participants studied 3D documentation techniques using Agisoft Metashape and how to create unfolded drawings and cross-sectional views from 3D models using Cloud Compare. They also experienced practical applications for positioning 3D models on maps through a 3DDB viewer developed by AIST.
Group photo of participants at CRE26 Tokyo
Oral presentations in three parallel sessions and poster sessions
Current Research in Egyptology (CRE) is an international conference established to promote research presentations and academic exchange among graduate students and early-career researchers in Egyptology and related disciplines. The 26th conference (CRE26 Tokyo) was held at our institute, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN), from July 11 to 14, 2026. This conference was organized by the CRE Japan Committee, which is composed of early career Japanese researchers, and our institute participated as one of the supporting institutions.
Egyptology is an interdisciplinary field of study, and the conference featured presentations and discussions based on diverse areas of expertise and perspectives, including archaeology, history, anthropology, religious studies, linguistics, museum studies, conservation and restoration, conservation science, archival studies, and digital humanities.
During the four-day conference, a total of 90 oral and poster presentations were delivered, with 178 presenters and participants in attendance. In addition, keynote lectures introducing ancient Egyptian collections held in Japan were organized throughout the conference to deepen participants’ understanding of these materials. The lectures featured collections from the Tokyo National Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum, the Institute of Civilization Research at Tokai University, and the Kyoto University Museum. Participants also had the opportunity to visit two of these museums and view the collections in person.
Researchers from TOBUNKEN presented a poster based on photographic materials taken in Egypt in 1930 by Shin Wada, one of the founding members of our institute. The photographs document archaeological sites and objects displayed in museums. The presentation focused on identifying the locations and subjects depicted in the photographs, while examining changes in the management of archaeological sites and museum exhibitions over the past century, as well as the interests and evaluations of ancient Egyptian objects by Japanese art historians. It also explored the potential of photographic archives as historical resources for research.
CRE26 Tokyo was the largest international conference on Egyptology ever held in Japan, and it also recorded the highest number of presentations and participants from Japan in the history of the CRE conference series. As one of the cooperating institutions, TOBUNKEN is pleased to be able to contribute to the international academic exchange on such a scale.
Geotechnical workshop for the restoration of the Cruciform Terrace
Excavated trench on inner side of the Terrace
Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA National Authority) in Cambodia are continuing the conduction of a preliminary survey for the restoration of the Cruciform Terrace in front of the Central Complex of Ta Nei Temple as part of a cooperative project.
This Cruciform Terrace of Ta Nei Temple comprises a sandstone exterior wall with laterite substrate and sandstone paving, inside of which is filled with compacted soil layers. Much remains unknown regarding the function and structural characteristics of these inner soil layers, and various approaches for their stabilisation have been explored in the conservation of other monument structures at Angkor.
Therefore, archaeological and geotechnical surveys were conducted to clarify the configuration of the inner structure of the Cruciform Terrace and its construction process, as well as to examine the appropriate restoration methods of the Terrace during the mission from 20 May to 21 June 2026.
An archaeological excavation survey conducted at four trenches confirmed that the inner soil layers were constructed using different types of soils, and the stone masonry technique applied to this Terrace differs from the manner commonly used for other Khmer temple architecture. It was also clarified that intrusion of tree roots caused deformation of the side walls. Furthermore, several new clues were obtained regarding the construction process in relation to the adjacent rectangular terrace.
The geotechnical survey was carried out as the second session of “the practical workshop for the Cruciform Terrace restoration,” under the guidance of Professor KUWANO Reiko from the University of Tokyo. Three staff members from the APSARA National Authority participated, conducting dynamic cone penetration tests on-site targeting the soil layers of the Terrace, as well as laboratory tests on the collected soil samples, including dry density, particle size distribution, and compaction test. In addition, we visited the Institute of Technology of Cambodia in Phnom Penh to discuss the implementation of triaxial compression and permeability tests for those soil samples.
The survey results will be used in a structural assessment of the Terrace, followed by a discussion with the APSARA National Authority on appropriate restoration methods for the Terrace.
View of the trowel painting storehouse of the former Kina-Saffron-Shu-Honpo
Trowel paintings confirmed to be in good condition
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties is conducting ongoing research on the conservation and restoration of trowel paintings that decorate the earthen storehouses of the former Kina-Saffron-Shu-Honpo in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, as part of A Research Survey into Stucco Decorations and Clay Statues. By fiscal year 2024, studies had been carried out on consolidation treatments using inorganic restoration materials for the plaster layers that constitute the reliefs, as well as on retouching techniques, and conservation treatments were implemented based on the findings.
Following these treatments, an on-site investigation was conducted from April 20 to 23, 2026, to confirm the post-treatment condition of the reliefs. These trowel paintings are exposed to particularly harsh environmental conditions, including the hot and humid summers characteristic of the Sea of Japan coast, as well as heavy snowfall and freezing conditions during the winter months. During this survey, detailed observations focused primarily on the treated areas. As a result, no major deterioration, new detachments, or losses were observed in the reliefs themselves, confirming that the areas consolidated with inorganic restoration materials have remained in stable condition.
Until now, repairs to these trowel paintings had been repeatedly carried out in response to damage as it occurred. However, many of these interventions were intended as short-term repairs, and in particular, treatments using synthetic resin-based materials were found to harden and discolor over time, in some cases causing additional stress to the reliefs themselves. In response to these issues, the present study aimed to establish treatment methods based on established cultural heritage conservation, principles, considering both the distinctive environmental conditions of the region and the material characteristics of the reliefs. In particular, the introduction of highly durable and stable inorganic restoration materials represents the first full-scale application of such methods to the conservation of trowel paintings in Japan, and the present follow-up survey provided important findings demonstrating their effectiveness.
The Institute plans to continue long-term monitoring the condition of the reliefs while further evaluating the research results. It is hoped that the outcomes of this study will contribute to the conservation and restoration of trowel painting cultural properties throughout Japan and serve as a new guiding approach for their preservation in the future.
Administration of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii
National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation conducts international collaborative research focusing primarily on immovable cultural heritage, including wall paintings, from both theoretical frameworks and practical techniques related to conservation and utilization. Through these efforts, the Center aims to strengthen the foundation for improving the standards of conservation, restoration, and maintenance management, while also promoting international cooperation projects for cultural heritage protection that make use of these research outcomes.
From February 24 to March 13, 2026, a research visit to Italy was conducted, during which consultations were held with researchers from the University of Urbino, the University of Florence, and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). The main agenda of these discussions was to identify current challenges related to conservation and restoration materials and to examine research directions that could contribute to their improvement. Through these consultations, it was confirmed that all participating institutions share a common awareness of these issues, and an agreement was reached to advance concrete research under a framework of international collaboration.
In addition, during visits to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the current state of conservation and restoration of Roman wall paintings and stucco decorations was surveyed. At the same time, exchanges of views were conducted with local researchers regarding the challenges of existing methodologies and possibilities for their improvement. As a result, wall paintings and stucco decorations under the management of the Archaeological Park have been made available as research subjects for this project, and cooperation has been secured for research aimed at advancing conservation and restoration techniques.
Going forward, as part of this research initiative, Roman wall paintings and stucco decorations will serve as the primary focus, and in collaboration with the institutions consulted during this visit, efforts will be made to advance material studies and to systematize conservation and restoration techniques. This initiative is expected to play a significant role in establishing a foundation for the deepening and practical development of international collaboration in the field of cultural heritage conservation. Furthermore, the outcomes of this work will be applied to the practice of conservation, restoration, and maintenance of cultural heritage both in Japan and abroad, with the aim of contributing to the sustainable protection and utilization of cultural heritage in various regions.
Group discussion during the workshop
Part of a roof ridge ornament
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA National Authority) in Cambodia is continuing the conduction of a preliminary survey for the restoration of the Cruciform Terrace in front of the Central Complex as part of a cooperative project at the Ta Nei Temple.
Our previous joint surveys revealed that some statues and components stored in the Angkor Conservation Office (ACO) in Siem Reap City include elements originally belonging to the Ta Nei Temple. As a part of our work, we documented the balustrade components originating from Ta Nei that are stored in ACO and those scattered around the Cruciform Terrace using digital 3D measurement, and attempted a trial assembly of the 3D models of those members in digital space. This trial was carried out as a “Practical Workshop for Restoration of Cruciform Terrace” on January 21 and 22, 2026, with around 20 participants from APSARA, ACO, Angkor National Museum, and the Department of Culture and Fine Arts of Siem Reap Province. During the two-day workshop, participants documented components of Naga balustrade using free 3D scanning apps downloaded to their own smartphones. Afterwards, while reviewing the generated 3D models in group discussions, we examined ways to assemble the components remaining in on-site locations together. A major achievement of this workshop was identifying the potential for connecting multiple components.
During the mission in January, excavations of two remaining belts around the Cruciform Terrace were conducted. Many roof tile fragments were unearthed during this work, and similarly as in previous surveys, we found that the roof tiles were distributed from the surface layer near the eastern front of the Rectangular Terrace connected to the Cruciform Terrace.
Additionally, an examination of the archaeological artifacts excavated in the previous surveys was carried out. Roofing members, such as ridge ornaments and convex eaves tiles were identified, and a variety of artifacts including baluster jars, typical Khmer ceramics, black-glazed pottery decorated with wavy incised lines, multiple imported ceramics, and more were confirmed. Future detailed examinations will further clarify the characteristics of artifacts excavated at Ta Nei Temple.
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.
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）
The Japan Centre for International Cooperation in Conservation and Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia co-organised a workshop for 3D digital documentation at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia from 2nd to 4th November, 2025. As the application of 3D documentation in the field of cultural heritage has been drawing attention in Saudi Arabia in recent years, our workshop series of 3D documentation was organised for the first time in Saudi Arabia, with the theme of “3D Digital documentation of archaeological objects,” receiving 25 experts as participants who are working in fields such as archaeological excavation and museum management.
During the workshop, lectures were held by lecturers despatched from Japan regarding the basic methods of 3D photogrammetry, and various 3D documentation techniques depending on the object size or occasion of the documentation. In addition to the lectures, participants were divided into five groups and practiced the 3D photogrammetry of sample objects and documentation with a Lidar smartphone application and 3D laser scanning.
On 4th November, an open event titled “XR meet up in Riyadh” was held in the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Various examples and activities from Japan related to 3D digital documentation were exhibited in the event, as follows: ‘VR experience of Copan in Honduras’ by Komatsu University; ‘XR Heijo-kyo’ by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, ‘3D DB Viewer project’ by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties; ‘Kyoto VR’ by Holo Lab Inc.; Scaniverse by Niantic Inc.; and VR experience of Aali royal burial mound in Bahrain and Tanei Temple in Cambodia. The event provided opportunities to experience various utilisations of 3D documentation of cultural heritage widely to the public.
This workshop was organized as a part of the project for Exchanges in International Cooperation for Conservation of Cultural Heritage funded by the Agency of Cultural Affairs.
Professor Emeritus SASAKI Tatsuo giving a lecture
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) welcomed Professor Emeritus SASAKI Tatsuo of Kanazawa University as a guest speaker for a lecture titled “Excavating the Archaeological Sites of the Persian Gulf Region.” This event was organized as the seventh session of the “Pioneer Seminars in West Asian Archaeology,” a lecture series launched in 2018 by the Japanese Society for West Asian Archaeology to highlight first-generation researchers who opened new paths in archaeological studies across West Asia and its surrounding regions. Co-hosted with the Society, the seminar was held in a hybrid format—both in-person at the Institute’s seminar room and online—and brought together a total of 90 attendees.
Professor SASAKI, a specialist in the history of inter-civilizational exchange, has focused his scholarly work on the distribution of ceramics while participating in numerous excavations conducted in Japan, and also overseas in Iraq, Egypt, the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and various desert regions. Despite the often unstable political and security conditions in these areas, he continued his fieldwork, deepened his collaborations with local researchers, and dedicated himself not only to excavation but also to the conservation of archaeological sites.
Drawing from his extensive experience—encountering different research environments and approaches to heritage preservation across countries—Professor SASAKI’s lecture offered valuable insights. It resonated not only with active field researchers, but also with those who have long been inspired by the archaeological and historical world of West Asia, as well as younger generations preparing to enter the field.
Today, at least fiveJapanese-led archaeological missions are operating in the Gulf region. The latest research results, carried forward by the new generation that has inherited the pioneers’ spirit, will be presented in detail at the 33rd Annual Meeting of Excavation in West Asia scheduled for March 21–22, 2026, to be held in the same venue.
Symposium in Tokyo
Symposium in Kyoto
Study Tour: Visiting the Byōdō-in Temple
Due to conflict and prolonged instability, archaeological research and international assistance had been suspended in Iraq for a period of time. In recent years, however, foreign archaeological missions have gradually been returning, and international research on the history of ancient West Asian civilizations, as well as activities for the protection of cultural heritage, have resumed. The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) has continuously provided support to Iraq, including training programs in Japan and the provision of equipment for conservation and restoration specialists of the Iraq National Museum between fiscal years 2004 and 2010, and the organization of two symposia in 2019 and 2022. At present, one of the key challenges in Iraq is to raise awareness among local communities to ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage protection.
In response to this situation, TOBUNKEN, in cooperation with the Japanese-Iraqi Institute for Archaeological Education of Mesopotamia and the Research Center for Japanese Garden and Historical Heritage at Kyoto University of the Arts, invited three specialists from Dhi Qar Governorate in southern Iraq from November 22 to December 1, 2025 to participate in two symposia held in Japan with the core theme of “Local Communities and Cultural Heritage” and a study tour organized to introduce new ideas and approaches through Japanese examples of site management and the utilization of cultural heritage, and to apply these insights to address challenges in Iraq.
At each symposium, the Iraqi specialists presented the current state of archaeological excavations and site management in Dhi Qar Governorate. They also reported on outreach activities related to ancient Mesopotamian civilization and archaeology, events designed to connect museum collections with local communities, and the results of surveys on perceptions of cultural heritage within higher education.
From the Japanese side, at a Tokyo venue, lectures were delivered by Mr. NAKAO Tomoyuki of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and Mr. MIYOSHI Seicho of Hida City on the current status of Japan’s cultural property protection policies and initiatives undertaken by local governments. At a Kyoto venue, a keynote lecture on the site management of Byōdō-in Temple and its collaboration with local communities was given by Prof. NAKA Takahiro of Kyoto University of the Arts. In addition, Mr. YAMADA Takafumi of the World Heritage Office of Nara Prefecture spoke on guidance for municipal officials responsible for World Heritage sites and collaboration with school education, while Prof. USAMI Tomoyuki of Kyoto University of the Arts introduced student- and citizen-participatory support activities, including a web-based GIS mapping of cultural heritage in Iraq. Through these presentations, the characteristics and challenges of public outreach activities in both countries were shared, and active discussions were held on effective strategies for increasing opportunities for citizens to engage with cultural heritage.
During the invitation period, the Iraqi specialists also visited archaeological sites and museums in Tokyo and Kyoto between the two symposia. They were able to bring valuable information relevant to addressing challenges back to Iraq, including the advantages of site museums; methods of site presentation, such as the indication of remains through reconstructed buildings and plantings, and in situ preservation using protective shelters; as well as interpretive approaches employing VR and AR technologies and multilingual video materials.
We hope that the methods and knowledge gained in Japan will contribute to the future advancement of cultural heritage protection in southern Iraq, and we will continue to strengthen our cooperative efforts going forward.
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.
Survey of wall painting condition using a checklist
An example of a wall painting under investigation
Since 2021, The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation has been involved in Joint research on the maintenance, management, and conservation-restoration of mural paintings under the “International Research on Conservation and Restoration Techniques for Cultural Heritage” program.
As part of this initiative, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and Media of Croatia, the Museum of Istrian History and Maritime Heritage, and the University of Zagreb to develop a maintenance management system for wall paintings in churches in the Istrian region, located in the northwest of Croatia. This region is home to numerous mural paintings created from the medieval period to the Renaissance, with over 150 works currently documented. The aim of this research is to investigate and record the state of conservation of these wall paintings, and to share the collected data among experts to help in their maintenance and management.
From November 3 to 7, 2025, we visited sites in the region and conducted a third pilot test using a checklist. In this test, based on the results and issues identified in the previous investigation, we reviewed and refined the checklist items to obtain more accurate assessment results, confirming further improvement in its practicality. The local institutions expressed a deep understanding of and strong interest in this project, along with a strong desire to continue their cooperation in the future. Moving forward, we plan to further develop the collaborative relationships that have been built so far, and, under a more robust research framework, continue our practical efforts toward establishing a sustainable maintenance and management system that will contribute to the conservation and utilization of the wall paintings.
Statue of Saint Zanobi
X-ray imaging of the statue
Since 2021, The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation has been involved in a research survey on stucco decoration and clay statues under the research project “Technology for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage” program.
From November 8 to 12, 2025, we visited Florence to conduct research and present our findings on the clay statue groups created by late Renaissance and Mannerist sculptors Pietro Francavilla and Antonio di Annibale Marchissi. These sculptures were originally produced as elements of a temporary façade erected at the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in 1589 to celebrate the wedding of Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici of Tuscany and Christine of Lorraine. After the temporary structure was dismantled, the works were placed for a time along the nave walls inside the cathedral. In the nineteenth century, they were moved to the attic space on the northeastern side of the cathedral dome, where they remain today under the care of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore.
In the recent results briefing, we shared within our research team the findings obtained through the non-destructive investigations conducted to date— including photographic documentation using visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, X-radiography, fiberscope exploration, and 3D measurements. These investigations enabled us to identify key structural features, such as the multi-layered composition centered on clay and the design based on the modularization of individual components. We also confirmed traces of surface finishes and gilding, providing important clues to the original production processes of the works. Going forward, we plan to gradually shift toward micro-destructive analyses involving limited sampling—conducted under appropriate ethical standards and with full consideration for conservation science— to obtain detailed information that cannot be adequately captured through non-destructive methods alone. Through this approach, we aim to clarify the correlation between the works’ structural characteristics and their deterioration mechanisms, and ultimately contribute to the development of appropriate conservation and restoration strategies.
Furthermore, this study aims to clarify both the universality of stucco decoration and clay statue traditions—elements that have been transmitted across regions and historical periods—and the diversity of their technical developments. As an interdisciplinary endeavor that spans art history, conservation studies, materials science, and cultural heritage studies, the project depends fundamentally on the international exchange of knowledge and collaborative research. Moving forward, we intend to strengthen our partnerships with specialists around the world and deepen interdisciplinary dialogue, thereby advancing our work in a steady and informed manner as we strive to open new frameworks for understanding within the field of cultural heritage research.
UAV surveying on Filaka Island
Participants working on 3D model creation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation held a workshop, titled, “Workshop on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Surveying of Archaeological Sites” in Kuwait on October 10-17, 2025, as a part of the Activities for Exchanges in International Cooperation for Conservation of Cultural Heritage sponsored by the Agency of Cultural affairs. This workshop built upon previous workshops conducted in Bahrain and Japan, focusing specifically on large-scale surveying of archaeological sites such as cities and fortresses.
This training program was conducted in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Department of Antiquities and Museums, and Kuwait University. A total of 15 experts from the institutions and the Kuwait National Museum participated. Participants received lectures on UAV, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and 3D digital documentation techniques, and then worked on creating 3D models of archaeological sites using sample data. Additionally, on Failaka Island in eastern Kuwait, all participants conducted UAV surveys of archaeological sites of the Hellenistic period. Using the captured data, they created 3D models and learned how to utilize the data for studies and how to perform large-scale surveys of archaeological sites.
Not only Kuwait, but other Gulf countries possess numerous cultural heritage sites. However, there is concern over a shortage of personnel to document and preserve this cultural heritage. It is hoped that learning such efficient methods will help resolve some of these challenges.
Practice of 3D photogrammetry at the burial mounds in Janabiyah
The Japan Centre for International Cooperation in Conservation of Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) co-organized a workshop for 3D digital documentation at Bahrain National Museum from 28th to 30th October, 2015. This series of workshops was started from a request from BACA, which has been promoting the introduction of 3D digital documentation techniques to the field of conservation of cultural heritage. As previous workshops had been held in Bahrain and Japan, this time the workshop focused on the ‘3D documentation of built heritage’ for intermediate-level practitioners, welcoming 13 experts of cultural heritage, 11 from Bahrain and 2 from UAE.
On the first day of workshop, lectures were held regarding the documentation methods and utilisation examples of 3D digital documentation for built heritage. After the lectures, the participants tried to document a building by themselves using 3D photogrammetry and Lidar on smartphones at the Fakhro House in the World heritage site, the ‘Pearling path.’ On the second day, participants practiced the documentation with 3D laser scanning in the exhibition room of Bahrain National Museum in the morning, and documentation with 3D photogrammetry and RTK-GNSS of the burial mounds in Janabiyah in the afternoon. The third day’s topic was 3D data utilization. The participants learned methods to create contents for an online digital museum utilising the 3D data of the exhibition room of museum that they had documented by themselves on the previous day. They also learned to create 3D models of the burial mounds in Janabiyah with photogrammetry, and published the models on the digital twin platform ‘3D DB viewer,’ which was co-developed by The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
The participants showed high motivation in applying these technologies in their daily practice in their respective fields of expertise such as archaeology and architecture, and expressed a willingness to learn further advanced methods. We would like to continue organising these opportunities for knowledge sharing in response to their needs.
This workshop was organized as a part of the project for Exchanges in International Cooperation for Conservation of Cultural Heritage funded by the Agency of Cultural affairs.
The ICOMOS Scientific Symposium 2025 was held at Lumbini Buddhist University in Nepal from 15th to 19th October, with the participation of the author from the Japan Centre for International Cooperation in Conservation.
In Nepal, in September 2025, political unrest had suddenly arisen, and as protests against the government escalated, central governmental buildings and foreign-owned luxury hotels were set on fire. However, the establishment of an interim government brought early stabilisation of the situation, and the ICOMOS annual general assembly and scientific symposium proceeded as scheduled in Nepal.
The ICOMOS Scientific Symposium 2025 was composed of three main sub-theme sessions, Conflict, Disaster, and Peace, with participants from various countries giving presentations. In the session on Conflict, participants from regions with ongoing conflict made presentations reporting the destructive damage to cultural heritage. Additionally, this year marked 10 years since the Gorkha earthquake, and events related to post-earthquake reconstruction were organised in Kathmandu. While the issues surrounding cultural heritage are becoming more complex and expanding, the importance of having such an international communication platform for expert exchange was strongly stressed, especially for regions facing difficult situations that cannot be resolved within their own communities alone.
During this trip, discussions regarding the joint survey for the preservation and utilization of historic houses in Kirtipur were also carried out. This joint survey aims to explore various methods and to establish processes for the preservation of historic houses in Old Kirtipur, and a pilot case study of a historic house and a comprehensive survey for taking inventory of existing historic houses in Old Kirtipur were conducted so far.
In Kirtipur as well, the municipality faced a severe situation during the protests in September; the city hall was set on fire and valuables such as office computers became targets of plunder. While the outlook remains uncertain until the country regains its administrative functions, we, survey team members, the mayor of Kirtipur, and local communities held dialogues on what we can do during such political unrest. On the other hand, through our survey activities so far, the connections among the Nepalese experts, who have shown willingness to conserve and preserve historic houses, are expanding, which is bringing the emergence of a new network that seeks to begin taking action independently rather than waiting for administrative support.
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.
