'I like to obey the law': Trump backs off threat to bomb Iran's cultural sites
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday backed away from his earlier insistence that he has the right to order the bombing of Iran's cultural treasures during a war. Facing strong criticism that such attacks would be a war crime, Trump said he was "OK" with ...
Japan to recommend Jomon Period sites for World Cultural Heritage list
The government decided Thursday to recommend the Jomon Period archaeological sites in northern Japan as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage candidate for 2021. Japan will submit its formal recommendations to the organization by Feb. 1 for the 17 ancient sites in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and ...
At Bangkok's Reclining Buddha temple, Krairath Chantrasri says he is a proud custodian of the ancient skill of "nuad Thai," the body-folding, sharp-elbowed form of Thai massage that was added Thursday to UNESCO's prestigious heritage list. Originating in India and practiced in Thailand for ...
Tourism's effect on historic cities and sites in focus as global conference kicks off in Kyoto
Rising concerns worldwide about what an increase in tourism is doing to historic cities, cultural sites and the environment loomed over the start Thursday of a two-day gathering in Kyoto on tourism and culture organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and UNESCO. Kyoto ...
Huts burn down near World Heritage-listed thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go
Two huts were destroyed by fire Monday near the traditional thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go village in Gifu Prefecture, which are registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Gifu Prefectural Police said. The police received an emergency call from a local resident at around 2:40 ...
Police say arson unlikely in fire that gutted Okinawa's Shuri Castle
Police do not believe the fire that destroyed Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa and a World Heritage site, was caused by arson.
Probe into Shuri Castle blaze begins as Abe vows support to rebuild icon of Okinawa
As Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki seeks rebuilding assistance from Tokyo, authorities zero in on the landmark’s Seiden main hall as the source of the tragic fire.
Historic sites across Japan on alert following devastating fire at Okinawa's Shuri Castle
Thursday's fire that devastated Shuri Castle, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site in Okinawa Prefecture, triggered a sense of alarm among people and organizations managing historic sites in the country. At an emergency meeting held at Nijo Castle in the city of Kyoto, participants, ...
Typhoon Hagibis damaged 163 cultural assets in Japan, agency says
Powerful Typhoon Hagibis damaged 163 cultural assets in 22 prefectures, including a Tomioka Silk Mill building designated as a national treasure by the government, a Cultural Affairs Agency survey revealed Saturday. The agency is concerned that the number will rise further as more damage could ...
Of cats and rabbits: UNESCO World Heritage candidate caught in a bind over tourism drive
UNESCO designates World Heritage sites in order to preserve cultural or natural assets deemed significant to humanity. The idea is to maintain these assets for future generations, but UNESCO itself doesn't pay for maintenance. It is up to the countries where the sites are ...
South Korean sister city of Munakata, Fukuoka, to skip event in Japan amid fraying ties
A South Korean city will not take part in an annual event at a World Heritage site in the Fukuoka Prefecture city of Munakata this year due to deteriorating relations between the neighboring countries, the Munakata government said Wednesday. Gimhae, South Korea, which has sister-city ...
