Cultural Property and Heritage in Japan

UNESCO World Heritage designation transforms the value and perception of cultural properties, converting symbolic capital into economic assets through branding. This study highlights how official recognition alters property relationships in rural communities, such as Ōmori in Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, exposing heritage sites to reinterpretation by administrators and tourists while restricting their use. Despite local resistance to urban standards, legal frameworks of cultural property inherently involve communities in preservation efforts. The research examines these dynamics through fieldwork conducted post-designation (2007-2009), revealing conflicts between regional traditions and national policies. It also explores the role of heritage in community development programs (machizukuri) and the linguistic nuances surrounding cultural property, offering insights into Japan's broader heritage management challenges.

Russell, J. E. (2011). Cultural Property and Heritage in Japan. School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00014043