| ■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 |
|
Survey on the façade elements of historic houses in Kirtipur
Kirtipur, located in the southwest of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, is on the Tentative Lists of World Heritage Sites as the “Medieval historic settlement of Kirtipur.” However, due to rapid urbanization and damage caused by the Gorkha earthquake in 2015, the historic townscape of Kirtipur has been changing; notably, the number of privately owned historic houses has been decreasing, the degree of which has not yet been ascertained.
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) and the Kirtipur Municipal Government have been taking inventory of historic houses in Old Kirtipur, along with a pilot case study of preservation of a historic house.（https://www.tobunken.go.jp/materials/ekatudo/2385501.html）
During a mission that took place from May 23 to 31, 2025, TOBUNKEN staff, a Kirtipur Municipal Engineer, and a Nepalese expert conducted a survey for the inventory of historic houses, including a study on the façade elements of those houses. While 137 houses were listed in the previous survey, conducted in July of last year, this time we added more cases, bringing the total number of candidate houses to 164. Studies of the façade elements of all candidates revealed the features of the historic houses and layers of time that span the unique history of Old Kirtipur.
The collected data will be analyzed, including discussions regarding the materials involved in the construction, to clarify the criteria for what constitutes a “Historic House of Kirtipur.” This inventory of historic houses is expected to be not only useful as a record of historic houses in Kiritpur, but also as basic data for creating a regulatory framework to support the preservation of historic houses in Kiritpur.
Dr. Hisham Elleithy
Prof. Miroslav Bárta
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) held a symposium entitled “Archaeology and International Cooperation in Egypt.” This symposium is part of an annual series that has been held since 2021, each year focusing on a different region. It aims to promote the protection of cultural heritage through the sharing of archaeological research results, as well as reports on collaborative projects such as site conservation and capacity building.
This year’s symposium focused on Egypt and was structured in two parts: keynote lectures by invited researchers from Egypt and from the Czech Republic; and project reports from various sites of Japan’s international cooperation efforts in Egypt.
First of all, we were honored to receive a welcome address from Prof. Sakuji Yoshimura, President of Higashi-Nippon International University and a pioneering figure in Japanese Egyptology.
In Session I, Dr. Hisham Elleithy of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt, delivered a keynote lecture entitled “Recent and Ongoing International Joint Projects for the Egyptian Antiquities.” He presented archival work related to the Nubian Monuments Salvage Campaign, collaborative site management projects with France, South Korea, and Germany, and recent excavation achievements. This was followed by a lecture by Prof. Miroslav Bárta of the Czech Institute of Egyptology, Charles University, entitled “Cooperation on the Pyramid Fields: Abusir and Saqqara.” He presented an overview of the history of excavations conducted by the Czech team at the Abusir necropolis and introduced an ongoing re-excavation project at the so-called “Mariette Cemetery” in North Saqqara—originally explored by a French director of antiquities in the late 19th century but only fragmentarily published.
In Session II, the respective work and results of eight Japanese projects covering archaeological excavations, conservation, and capacity-building in Egypt were presented, entitled as follows:
“Conservation and Reconstruction of the Second Boat of Khufu” (Prof. KUROKOCHI Hiromasa; Ms. YAMADA Ayano)
“Wall Painting Conservation of the Mastaba Tomb of Idout” (Ms. SUITA Mariko)
“Excavation Project at North Saqqara” (Prog. Dr. KAWAI Nozomu)
“Excavation at Al-Khokha on the West Bank of Luxor” (Prof. Emeritus KONDO Jiro)
“Conservation of the Wall Paintings in the Royal Tomb of Amenhotep III” (Prof. NISHISAKA Akiko)
“GEM-CC (Grand Egyptian Museum Conservation Center) and GEM-JC (Joint Conservation) Projects” (Prof. TANIGUCHI Yoko)
“Excavation at Akoris” (Dr. HANASAKA Tetsu)
“Excavation at Kom al-Dibaʾ” (Prof. HASEGAWA So)
The symposium drew a significant number of researchers and graduate students, providing a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the importance of deepening archaeological knowledge through international collaboration. It also offered new prospects for academic contributions to cultural heritage preservation. Moreover, the event proved to be particularly meaningful by enabling participants to present their ongoing activities together with diverse Japanese projects beyond their institutional or team affiliations in one forum. The invited foreign experts also appreciated the opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of the contributions being made by Japanese scholars in Egypt.
Investigation of artwork in the Museum of Art and Design Hamburg (Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg)
Although many artworks produced in Japan are housed in institutions overseas—particularly in Europe and North America—there are only a limited number of specialists abroad who are well-versed in their conservation and restoration. As a result, when such works are undergoing deterioration or have sustained damage, it is often difficult to carry out restoration at the appropriate time and using suitable methods. Consequently, these artworks may not only become unavailable for exhibition or educational use, but also risk further deterioration.
In response to this situation, the cooperative program offers support for the conservation and restoration of Japanese artworks housed in museums, art galleries, and libraries overseas, either by bringing the artworks to Japan for restoration or by providing expert conservation advice.
Between May 26 and 29, 2025, a detailed investigation of the current condition of the work The Moon and Autumn Plants, a two-panel folding screen by IKEDA Koson, was conducted at the Museum of Art and Design Hamburg (Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg). The museum had expressed concern regarding the condition of the work, which has not been exhibited in recent years.
The investigation revealed various forms of deterioration and damage, including flaking and loss of pigments, as well as weakening of the underlying support and lining paper. These findings confirmed that the artwork is in urgent need of conservation treatment. Additionally, it was found that the screen had undergone one or more previous disassembling restorations. During those treatments, the backing paper (karakami) and the wooden frame were reassembled in positions and orientations that differed from their original state.
Meanwhile, in the previous fiscal year, we conducted investigations and provided on-site conservation advice at the Baur Foundation, Museum of Far Eastern Art (Switzerland), the Museum Rietberg (Switzerland), and the National Museum in Poznań (Poland). Based on the findings of these investigations, preparations are currently underway to begin the restoration in Japan on the Emperor’s Visit, an eight-panel folding screen from the collection of the Museum Rietberg.
Survey of a house in Zhemgang province
Stone masonry house in Gasa province in northwest
Since 2012, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) has been continuously engaged in research on vernacular houses in Bhutan, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD), Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan. The DCDD promotes a policy of preserving and utilizing vernacular houses by integrating them into the legal protecting framework of cultural heritage, while TOBUNKEN supports the initiative from academic and technical aspects. During a survey mission from May 13 to 23, 2025, two staff members of TOBUNKEN, one external expert from Japan, and two DCDD officials carried out the survey of traditional houses in middle, southern, and northwestern Bhutan.
Based on location information collected in advance by the DCDD, we surveyed three stone houses, one rammed earth house, and a bamboo house with post and beam structure in Zhemgang province in the south; three rammed earth houses and six stone houses in Trongsa province in the middle area; and two stone houses in Gasa province in the northwest. Among these, some upper-class houses were found to have extremely thick and substantial stone masonry walls.
As an overview of the traditional houses in Bhutan, rammed earth structures are dominant in the western area where the capital Thimphu is located, while stone masonry structures are so in the eastern and higher northern area. The previous joint surveys revealed that the border between the areas in which these two construction methods are applied is situated around Bumthang province in the middle of Bhutan. The survey conducted on this mission confirmed the architectural features of stone masonry houses in the south and northwest area of Bhutan and clarified a part of the border area of rammed earth house distribution, which is centered on the western area. It could be considered that the differences in construction methods are defined by the various local conditions, such as geographical features, natural resources, material supplies, availability of craftsmen, or by family status, social position, and so on. Further investigation into the distribution and coexistence of these two construction methods is expected to provide additional clues to understand the transition and transmission of the architectural methods of houses in Bhutan.
The surveys were conducted with the support of a JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) “Vernacular Stone Masonry Houses of Bhutan: A Study on the Architectural Characteristics and the Suitable Approach for Protection as Cultural Heritage” (Principal Researcher: TOMODA Masahiko).
His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at the event
Lecturers of the symposium
The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 started in April, and the Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting a pavilion at the Expo. His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), who is in charge of the pavilion, came to Japan to attend the opening ceremony of the expo.
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) has been undertaking various projects aiming to preserve the cultural heritage in Bahrain for many years. Following a request by H. E. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the institute held the symposium and experience event, “The History and Culture in Bahrain” jointly with BACA on April 20th in 2025.
Japanese and Bahraini archaeologists and Marikofun, Kofun performer, delivered lectures and participants also enjoyed presentations on the history and culture of Bahrain through various XR contents such as VR experience of Bahraini archaeological sites using VR goggles.
Investigation of the condition of wall paintings in a church using a checklist
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 thesewall paintings, and to share the collected data among experts to help in their maintenance and management.
From March 10 to 14, 2025, we conducted a pilot test on site at 12 churches using the checklist on the state of conservation prepared in the previous survey. The checklist was structured based on three main focal points: the building in which the wall paintings were painted, the techniques and materials used for the wall paintings, and the state of conservation. Through the test, we were able to review the checklist items and evolve the checklist into something more practical and effective. We plan to continue implementation testing with the goal of building a digital archive.
Research at the Tubli cemetery
Tombstones in Al-Qadem cemetery preserved by the local community
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has been cooperating on excavation surveys and maintenance of historical sites in the tombs of Bahrain for many years. Although historical Islamic tombstones remain in mosques and cemeteries throughout the country, and about 150 tombstones can still be found in the country today, many are deteriorating due to salt damage.
In response to Bahrain’s request for help in protecting those tombstones, in 2023 and 2024, we conducted photogrammetric surveying using SfM-MVS (Structure-from-Motion/Multi-View-Stereo), a technology for creating 3D models from photographs. So far, we have completed 3D measurements of approximately 100 tombstones located in museums and modern cemeteries. The models created were published on Sketchfab, a platform widely accessible both domestically and internationally, and are being used as a database of tombstones.
A 3D measurement survey was conducted from February 8 to 12, 2025, covering cemeteries in the southern part of the country. Photogrammetric surveying was conducted and measurements were completed as in the past, this time for a total of 29 cemeteries: 2 in Tubri, 1 in Salamya Mosque, 12 in Hoora, 1 in Mahooz, 1 in Daih, 5 in Noaim, 2 in Al-Qadem, and 5 in Karranah. With the exception of buried and destroyed tombstones, this survey completed the measurement of all the tombstones in Bahrain.
This is the first database of 3D models of more than 100 tombstones with information on the dimensions, shape, and inscriptions of each individual monument, and it is highly expected that the results of this survey will be useful for future research on Islamic tombstones, in addition to preserving a record of their shapes.
Venue: Gunma Music Center, designed by architect Antonin Raymond (1961)
Keynote Speech by Dr. Patricia O’Donnell (Proposal of key issues on “heritage ecosystems”)
Group discussions among different four groups (Group C)
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) dispatched three staff members to attend the 10th Anniversary International Symposium of the Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites, held at the Gunma Music Center in Takasaki from January 10 to 11, 2025. Organized by the Gunma Prefectural Government and ICOMOS Japan, the theme of the symposium was on revisiting the concept of heritage authenticity in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of “the Nara Document,” with a focus on the need to adapt it to the increasingly complex social challenges of the 21st century. JCIC-Heritage, managed by TOBUNKEN, also organized a seminar and symposium in November last year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of “the Nara Document.” (For more details, please refer to the web link at the end of this report.)
The symposium program reflected the vision of the principal organizer, Emeritus Prof. KONO Toshiyuki at Kyushu University and former president of ICOMOS. Unlike a conventional symposium format, the program consisted of four group discussions with keynote speeches from guest experts and academics, introducing “heritage ecosystems” as a key concept for discussion. The symposium welcomed approximately 120 participants, including 14 guest experts and academics from 8 countries, and around 80 voluntary experts and academics from 19 countries. The diverse attendance contributed to a distinctly international atmosphere.
Although the concept of “heritage ecosystems” is not yet widely recognized, the symposium interpreted it as encompassing “the cyclical and organic relationships among various elements that constitute the rich cultural and natural environment of the region.” Each keynote speech aimed to reframe the significance of “Tomioka” by connecting it to the living silk industry and sericulture, such as “Preparing the Next Generation for the Silk Industry” by Mr. TSUCHIYA Masashi, Executive Director of Usui Silk Mills Ltd., and “Sericulture in Modern Japan: Silkworm as a Recombinant Protein Factory” by Prof. KUSAKABE Takahiro at Kyushu University, presenting a perspective entirely different from the conventional heritage conservation approach. Every participant actively engaged in open-ended discussions within their respective groups, with the following four key issues on “heritage ecosystems” as presented in the keynote speech by Dr. Patricia O’Donnell, former president of ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes in mind:
1. How does the work you are presenting relate to the heritage ecosystem approach?
2. What opportunities do you see that emerge from working with a system of heritage assets?
3. What benefits to communities and heritage can a heritage ecosystem approach advance?
4. How does the heritage ecosystem approach advance understanding of heritage authenticity?
As a culmination of the keynote speeches and group discussions, the “Gunma Declaration on Heritage Ecosystems” was formally adopted at the conclusion of the symposium.
Together with JCIC-Heritage, TOBUNKEN will continue its efforts to strengthen international cooperation in heritage conservation and gather information on global cultural heritage affairs through active participation in international conferences.
References
The JCIC-Heritage 35th Seminar: 30 years of the Nara Document in the Global Context of Heritage Conservation
https://www.jcic-heritage.jp/news/35seminar_report/
The JCIC-Heritage F.Y.2024 Symposium: Restoration of Notre Dame de Paris and Philosophy of Monuments Conservation
https://www.jcic-heritage.jp/news/2024syoposium_report/
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Statues kept inside the cupola
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 January 13 to January 18, 2025, we visited Florence to conduct preliminary research on a group of sculptures created by Pietro Francavilla and Giovanni Battista Caccini, Mannerist sculptors of the late Renaissance, and to discuss future research plans with the Opera del Duomo Museum, which holds the collection. These sculptures represent the principal saints of Florence and were created in 1589 to celebrate the wedding of Grand Duke Ferdinand I de’ Medici of Tuscany and Christine of Lorraine. The purpose was to decorate a temporary façade, which was installed on the front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore for the one-day celebration. For this reason, the technique of sculpture in plaster was chosen, rather than the marble that was commonly used at the time.
Currently, these sculptures are stored in a room inside the cathedral cupola, but they have deteriorated over time, and research on their structure and the materials used has not progressed sufficiently. In cooperation with the local National Restoration Institute and the Fine Arts Superintendence, we are working to deepen the investigation and promote research that will contribute to future conservation and restoration efforts.
The terraces in front of the Central Complex (Cruciform Terrace is highlighted in red)
Excavation at the Cruciform Terrace
Conservation of the Central Tower's original stone members
Ta Nei Temple is a Bundist temple estimated to have been built during the period from the end of the 12th to early 13th century. A large rectangular terrace and a Cruciform Terrace are aligned at the eastern side of the Central Complex, which is the front side of the Temple. While a large terrace is often set in front of the building complex in the other temples of the same period, the style connecting a cruciform terrace in front of a rectangular terrace is unique. Therefore, these are considered important remains, when we think about the characteristics of Ta Nei Temple. However, as tree roots had grown on the terraces and the soil infill layer inside the terraces had unevenly subsided, the terraces had largely collapsed, especially the Cruciform Terrace.
Therefore, the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation dispatched four staff members from the end of November to late December 2024 and started an excavation of the Cruciform Terrace as a preliminary investigation for future discussion on the conservation and restoration methods, working with the archeological staff of the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA) of the Cambodian government. At the same time, surveys on internal structures, damage, and remaining status of fallen stone materials were conducted and fundamental discussions related to the direction of future restoration were held.
As a result of the excavation, many scattered stone materials that could be considered to have formed the Cruciform Terrace were detected under the accumulated soil around the Terrace. Furthermore, some parts of the foundation work layer and the internal structure of the Terrace were revealed. When we investigated the current level of the Terrace foundation, some subsidence was observed toward the ends of southern and northern wings, but the foundation itself remained in relatively good condition. On the contrary, it was confirmed that the side walls and floor materials were lost in many areas and that, as a result, an inner infill mainly consisting of sand had flowed out at the southern and northern sides of the eastern wing and around the southern wing of the Terrace. Almost no materials that can be estimated to have been used for the middle layer of the side walls of the Terrace were found, which could suggest that these stone materials were taken away intentionally during some past era(s). Based on these observations, we discussed the restoration methods of the Cruciform Terrace with APSARA staffs and mostly agreed on a basic direction and future plan for the restoration.
Simultaneously, we conducted some additional conservation work of stone materials at the eastern and western entrances of the Central Tower. Partial restoration of these areas had been ongoing until August 2024 (Field Activities Parts XVI to XVII). In addition, during the mission, meetings of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk) were held in Siem Reap City from December 11 to 13. We reported on the completion of restoration of the entranceway of the Central Tower and the investigation on the Cruciform Terrace in front of the Central Complex.
Landscape of the Al-Khokha area
The treatment of mural painting fragments
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage is conducting a joint research project on the conservation and restoration of mural paintings in a rock-cut tomb located in the Al-Khokha area on the west bank of Luxor. This project is being carried out in cooperation with the Waseda University Institute of Egyptology and the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. The wall paintings under study were discovered in 2013 by Professor Emeritus Jiro Kondo in the tomb of Khonsuemheb and are estimated to date back to around 1200 BCE, during the New Kingdom period.
This mural painting is painted on a wall made of mud plaster applied to the surface of limestone. Previous research had focused on developing methods for cleaning surface dirt and identifying suitable restoration materials and techniques for areas where the plaster has detached or fallen off. In our field research conducted from November 20 to December 5, 2024, we examined methods for reattaching wall painting fragments discovered during excavation to their original positions. As a result, we achieved positive outcomes regarding the reinforcement of the wall substrate and protection of the painting’s surface. Furthermore, we were able to confirm certain successes in the reinstallation process, using materials similar to the original ones, such as mud and clay, to return the fragments to their original locations. Moving forward, we will continue to monitor the effectiveness and stability of the treatments applied and observe their long-term outcomes.
This research has been carefully advanced through a process that involved foundational studies, a series of experiments, and the development of treatment methods with practical considerations in mind. The results are unprecedented in Luxor and have been highly praised by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and local experts. Moving forward, we will continue to promote research that contributes to the conservation and restoration of the numerous wall paintings created during the New Kingdom period, aiming for further achievements in this field.
Workshop “Conservation of Historic Settlement in Kirtipur”
Historic house in Khokana settlement totally collapsed due to damage brought by heavy rain the previous summer
Aiming for the conservation of a historic house that faces the historic square in Old Kirtipur, a joint survey between Kirtipur Municipality and Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) has been underway since 2023. During the dispatch of one staff member from TOBUNKEN from December 20 to 27, 2024, a workshop titled “Conservation of Historic Settlement in Kirtipur” was co-organized by the municipality and TOBUNKEN and held on December 26 to promote a common understanding for the preservation and utilization of the target house.
The workshop consisted of two sessions. In the morning session, a lecture regarding the “good practices of the preservation and utilization of a historic house in Nepal” was presented by staff from Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT), and the results of a survey of the target house were reported by the TOBUNKEN staff member and Nepalese experts of the research team. More than 50 participants attended the workshop, including the Kirtipur mayor, deputy mayor, ward chairperson, and the house owners and their family members. Both, local government and house owners’ sides expressed positive opinions towards the preservation and utilization of the house. In the afternoon session, 16 members from the owners’ family joined a brainstorming session to discuss various topics regarding their house, such as memories, emotions, the future surrounding the building, where they have spent long periods of their lifetimes over many generations, past and presents.
Although there is still long way to go before concluding the decisions on the actual implementation of the preservation, the workshop brought an opportunity to share the value of the historic house through dialogue, and seemed to push the related stakeholders to move one step forward to its preservation.
Additionally, a quick survey on the historic settlement of Khokana, which is on the World heritage tentative list, was also made during this mission. While most of the historic houses in the settlement were rebuilt after the Gorkha earthquake in 2015, a few historic houses remained in the central area that are said to have been built in 19th century. We had been consulted by locals regarding their preservation; however, unfortunately, one of the historic houses had collapsed during the previous September due to damage brought by heavy rain. Although it was a consolation that no-one was injured in the collapse, it is regrettable that such a valuable building, which had watched over Khokana for more than 100 years, was lost forever, and necessary support was not able to reach them when they were in need.
The opening ceremony of the Scientific Symposium, featuring distinguished participants gathered on the stage
A view of the Historic Center of Ouro Preto (a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1980)
A representative from the Institute attended the 2024 Annual General Assembly of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS AGA) and its Scientific Symposium, held from November 13 to 15, 2024, in Ouro Preto, Brazil. Founded in 1965 following the adoption of the 1964 International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the Venice Charter), ICOMOS is an international, independent organization (NGO) composed of experts and academics dedicated to heritage conservation. With over 10,000 members worldwide, ICOMOS serves as an advisory body to UNESCO, renowned for their mission on evaluations of the condition of World Cultural Heritage sites.
This year’s Scientific Symposium, themed “Revisiting the Venice Charter: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges,” commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter’s adoption. The event featured active discussions on the current state and prospects of heritage conservation, centered around four keynote speeches and four roundtable sessions. A key point of the discussions was the acknowledgment that the Venice Charter has become outdated in the 21st century, as heritage conservation increasingly intersects with pressing social issues such as climate change, migration, and inequality. As a result, the Ouro Preto Document was adopted as an outcome of the Symposium, with a strong recommendation for establishment of a new international charter to replace the Venice Charter.
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties will continue to gather and compile information on the safeguarding of cultural heritage overseas and attend international conferences like this in the future as well.
A field study on conservation and restoration
A presentations at an international symposiums
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage is conducting a joint research project on the conservation and restoration of mural paintings on the interior walls of St. Michael’s Church (Keşlik Monastery) in Cappadocia, Turkey, in cooperation with a local specialized institutions and universities. Last year, a research plan was prepared based on field surveys, and after deliberations by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey and an expert committee, the project was officially approved for implementation.
From October 25 to November 9, 2024, we visited the site and conducted on-site research in collaboration with the Nevşehir Conservation and Restoration Research Center. The research focused on strengthening the detached plaster layers and removing soot stains from the surface of the mural paintings, among other conservation and restoration methods. Effective approaches were identified for both, and based on these results, a conservation and restoration plan were developed. Additionally, on November 6, we participated in an international symposium on this project held at Cappadocia University, where we presented a report on the objectives and progress of the project.
This joint research project has grown into an international project led by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, with participation from specialized institutions and universities in Turkey, as well as experts from Europe. It aims not only at academic research but also at activities that will be useful to many people involved in the conservation and utilization of cultural heritage.
Information leaflet (front)
Scene of the seminar
Since 2018, the Japan Center in Conservation has been hosting the World Heritage Seminar, which aims to transmit information and facilitate exchange of opinions about the world heritage system. In FY 2024 the seminar, titled as “The Soft Edges of World Heritage: Buffer Zone and Wider Setting,” focused on the periphery set up around the property to provide its adequate protection. There were 84 participants, mainly representatives from local governments all over the country at the meeting, held on November 25, 2024, at the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN).
After the introduction provided by Mr. KANAI Ken, Head of the Resource and Systems Research Section of the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation, who explained the purpose of the seminar, Mr. SUZUKI Chihei (Agency for Cultural Affairs) made a report under the title of “Trends on World Heritage,” on the discussions held and decisions made at the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Delhi in July, 2024. Then, Mr. MATSUDA Akira (University of Tokyo) and Mr. MATSUURA Kazunosuke, Associate Fellow of the Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation then each gave lectures, titled “The Spread of the Concept of Heritage on the Periphery of World Heritage Sites” and “The Buffer Zone and Wider Setting in Italy: Spread of Heritage Value Based on the Landscape Protection,” respectively. Next, Mr. SATO Yoshihiro (University of Iwate), Mr. KIDO Masayuki (Shiga Prefecture) and Mr. SHODA Michihiko (Fukuoka Prefecture) presented case reports titled, respectively, “The Buffer Zone and Wider Setting in Hiraizumi,” “The Buffer Zone and Wider Setting as Inscription of Hikone Castle on the World Heritage, List” and “The Notion of Wider Setting in HIA: from a Case Study of Munakata-Okinoshima and a Lecture of WHSMF.” Thereafter, all speakers discussed the desirable situation of Outstanding Universal Value, an institutional question in Japan to support the World heritage protection and the future of the World heritage system.
Through these lectures, case reports, and discussion, it was clarified that the wider setting introduced recently by UNESCO, though it is difficult to define, could be approached from both material and immaterial aspects, and recognized by a framework that combines protection and valorization. Moreover, we could reaffirm the huge difficulty in managing the periphery of World heritage sites under the current Japanese legislative system. TOBUNKEN will continue to conduct research on the international heritage protection system, including the theme that emerged from the seminar.
Investigation of flood damage in Barbar temple
Symposium on Al Faw Archaeological Area
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation sent a research team to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to take part in investigation and discussion of the preservation of cultural heritage in early October.
A tripartite memorandum of agreement had been signed among the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Cultural Resources at Kanazawa University. Together they launched a research center to promote archaeological studies in Bahrain and cultural heritage preservation projects in collaboration. The purpose of this visit was to investigate the current preservation conditions of cultural heritage that had been damaged by heavy rain in the beginning of this year. In Qalat al Bahrain, collapse of the outer walls of the fort by water damage and serious bending of the ceiling beams made from palm trees were recognized, and the site was temporarily closed to the public. Additionally, soil erosion was recognized in a well thought to be the most sacred part of the Barbar temple, and several stones were inclined or moved by the water flow. Effects on the cultural heritage due to increasing annual precipitation is becoming more serious year by year across the Middle East. We proposed to periodically monitor the progression of deterioration in comparison with the past situation, and discussed immediate countermeasures to reduce flood damage.
We attended a symposium held in Riyadh that focused on the Al Faw Archaeological Area in Saudi Arabia, which had just been newly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2024, and then visited the archaeological site. Excavation has been completed only by a few percentages, as the Al Faw Archaeological site is large and complex, mainly composed of a pre-Islamic caravan city, and also includes an area of ritual practice and numerous mound tombs from the Bronze Age. We also had a meeting with the Heritage Committee of the government of Saudi Arabia, and agreed to continue discussions on a partnership to promote site management and research for a future public opening of the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.
Training in Photogrammetry
Peace Park Tour VR in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Experiencing AR content at the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation held a workshop and study tour, titled, “Workshop on 3D Digital Documentation of the Cultural Heritage and Its Application” and “Study Tour on the Utilization of AR, VR, and Digital Contents in Japanese Museums and Archaeological Sites,” in Japan on October 21-30, 2024 as a part of the Activities for Exchanges in International Cooperation for Conservation of Cultural Heritage sponsored by the Agency of Cultural affairs. This is an advanced program following a basic technical workshop held in Bahrain in December 2023. Seven researchers who were invited from five different counties, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt, attended an advanced technical lecture and hands-on program, and received on-site training in flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for wide-area surveys of archaeological sites and historical buildings. Furthermore, a study tour to find examples of usage of 3D digital documentation in Japan was conducted.
The aim of holding this invitational program in Japan is to provide opportunities to learn about various usage and applications in the areas of historical education, museum exhibitions, and open-site museums in addition to implementing 3D digital documentation in the fields of archaeology or historical buildings. The following examples were introduced: digital content, such as a digital chronicle of the Japanese fine arts produced by the Tokyo National Museum and National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties; a 3DDB Model Viewer, which is a twin digital project sponsored by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology; and the “Museum of the Street,” which is a unique program to provide touchable exhibitions reproduced from 3D digital data of real museum objects. Moreover, we visited and experienced the “Peace Park Tour VR” at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park; Otsuka Ohmi Ceramic Co., Ltd., a factory producing replicas of cultural properties; and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) contents merged with an on-site exhibition of archaeological remains and reconstructed streetscape in the Ichijodani Asakura Family Site Museum.
Since it was seen that each country has different main objectives to implement 3D digital documentation, more practical cooperation programs to respond to each need will be considered in the future.
Implementation of pack method using inorganic restorative materials
Before and after conservation and restoration
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has been conducting research titled “International Research on Technology for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage” since the fiscal year 2021. Last year, a research survey was conducted on the trowel paintings at the earthen storehouse of the former Kina-Saffron-Shu-Honpo in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. The research focused on removing contaminants such as dust, as well as identifying appropriate conservation and restoration methods for damaged areas, such as peeling and flaking, with the aim of establishing effective techniques. This research was commissioned by the government of Nagaoka City. Building on this, from 26 September to 16 October of this year, a follow-up study was conducted with the cooperation of European experts. The goal was to develop methods for reinforcing and restoring the colored layers and plaster layers, as well as techniques for retouching the decoration.
In the past, synthetic resin-based materials were used for the repair of damaged areas of these trowel paintings. However, due to the high temperature and humidity in summer and heavy snowfall during the winter, the materials had deteriorated significantly over time. At times, the restoration materials themselves contributed to the deterioration of the trowel paintings. To improve this situation, we considered introducing durable inorganic restoration materials. For the retouching, we adopted a coloring method that not only preserves the dignity of the mural, which will soon be 100 years old, but also harmonizes with the overall appearance of the entire trowel painting storage.
The conservation and restoration methods for the trowel paintings established through this series of research surveys mark the first such case in Japan from the perspective of cultural heritage preservation studies. While it will be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the results based on future monitoring, it can be said that a significant step forward has been made toward improving the current condition.
said that a significant step forward has been made toward improving the current condition.
Stucco decoration on the ruins
Survey scene at the archaeological site
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.
As part of these activities, we visited the Roman ruins of Somma Vesuviana in Italy on September 6 and 7, 2024. This site, located on the north side of Mount Vesuvius, has been investigated since 2002 by an excavation team led by the University of Tokyo, which has so far discovered remains of buildings thought to have been founded around AD. As a result of various investigations, there is a strong possibility that these buildings were a villa of Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire, as described in historical records.
During this visit, we focused on the stucco decorations that remain among the ruins, conducted preliminary research on the materials, techniques, and coloring used, and prepared a research plan. In this plan, we also mentioned the possibility of deepening our study on modern methods of conservation and restoration of the decorative gateway, where stucco decorations and wall paintings remain, with a view to preserving and utilizing the remains.
We will continue to deepen our understanding of the structure and characteristics of stucco decoration through comparative research on stucco decoration techniques and materials for archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods, and continue our research on their conservation and restoration methods and site management.
Visiting Nagoya Castle
Observing paper samples during a lecture on paper basics
The International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper (JPC) 2024 took place from August 26 to September 13, 2024, co-organized by ICCROM and the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN), continuing a tradition we have upheld since 1992. Through this three-week course, participants engaged in a comprehensive study on the methods that have been used to preserve paper cultural properties in Japan. The primary goal of the JPC course is to encourage participants to incorporate Japanese conservation techniques into their conservation efforts worldwide, while understanding the techniques in Japanese contexts. This year, we invited ten specialists from Armenia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Malta, Mexico, The Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, selected from 165 applicants across 60 countries.
This JPC course consisted of lectures, practical workshops, and a study tour. During the lectures, the participants explored the protection systems for cultural properties in Japan, the characteristics of Japanese paper, and the traditional tools and materials used in conservation, such as wheat starch paste and Japanese brushes.
For the practical sessions, technical masters from a group, whose techniques called “Restoration Techniques for Mounts” were officially selected as the Selected Conservation Techniques (National), join as lecturers. The participants gained hands-on experience in restoration processes by creating a kansu (handscroll).
The second week featured a study tour to the Chubu (central) and Kinki (southern-central) regions of Japan. Highlights included observing the use of byōbu (folding screens) and fusuma (sliding doors), in a traditional setting at Nagoya Castle. The tour also took the participants to Mino, where they witnessed the papermaking processes of Honminoshi, a technique designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Additionally, the participants visited a traditional restoration studio in Kyoto that has been operating since the Edo period (1603-1867).
In the final week, the focus shifted back to practical work on the structure and handling of kakejiku (hanging scrolls), folding screens, and handscrolls.
In the post-course questionnaires, many participants expressed that they had gained a deeper understanding of the use of Japanese paper for conservation purposes. We hope that the techniques and knowledge acquired through this JPC course will be disseminated and adapted in the conservation and restoration of cultural properties overseas, and thereby contribute to their enhanced protection.
