A nation renowned for its deep attachment to tradition and craftsmanship, Japan is experiencing a persistent and quietly emerging concern. Many of its most precious cultural forms are not preserved in bustling workshops or crowded theaters, but by aging masters.
These select few artists, artisans and performers — just 116 in total, designated by the government as ningen kokuho (living national treasures) — represent more than a source of national pride; they are the last custodians of skills, techniques and aesthetics passed down through generations. As these guardians retire or pass away, Japan faces a crucial question: Can these traditions survive?
The government’s legal framework for protecting cultural assets, the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, classifies intangible expressions, such as noh theater, tea ceremony and lacquerware, as “Important Intangible Cultural Properties.” Holders of these designations are expected to transmit their knowledge to apprentices and keep their crafts alive.
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