Overview
- In New Delhi on December 11, UNESCO’s intergovernmental committee approved six Japan-related extensions to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Echizen Toronoko paper from Fukui Prefecture was added under the ‘Washi’ category, and handwoven chukei-omote production, a traditional tatami-making technique, was added under ‘Traditional Architectural Craft Techniques.’
- Four festivals were incorporated into the ‘Mountain-Hoko-Yatai’ grouping: Hitachi Otsu Ofune Matsuri (Ibaraki), Murakami Festival float events (Niigata), Hōjōzu Hachimangū float and tsukiyama events (Toyama), and the Ōtsu Festival float events (Shiga).
- The committee cited active safeguarding by local practitioners, broad community participation that strengthens cultural identity, and sustainable practices in washi production.
- Japan continues a multi-year pipeline of nominations, with a decision on calligraphy expected around autumn 2026 and planned submissions for kagura in 2028 and onsen culture in 2030.