The city of Kyoto is stepping up efforts to become the new home of the Cultural Affairs Agency, which works to protect Japan's officially designated cultural treasures.

Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, Kyoto Gov. Keiji Yamada and corporate executives in the Kansai region met Wednesday to coordinate strategy on pressing the central government to relocate the agency.

There are logistical reasons for the bid. Kyoto Prefecture has about 21 percent of the country's National Treasures, and nearly 17 percent of its Important Cultural Properties. Of the buildings nationwide classified as National Treasures, about 23 percent are located in the prefecture.