Report on National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties (structures) Designation Submitted

On May 18, the Council for Cultural Affairs submitted a report on ten structures to be designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties to HAYASHI Yoshimasa, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The list includes the former Tōyama Family Residence (Kawajima Town, Saitama Prefecture) and the former Kawakami Family Residence (Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture), known for their pre-Shōwa period Japanese-style architecture that skillfully blends tradition with modern techniques. In addition to the list, the Otazuki area of Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, known as the ‘town of storehouses’, was also suggested to be the Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. (Japanese)