The Authenticity of the Hidden Christians’ Villages in Nagasaki: Issues in Evaluation of Cultural Landscapes

The global push for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation can inadvertently undermine the authenticity and sustainability of local cultural traditions, particularly when decisions prioritize tangible properties over living practices. A study analyzing the 'Hidden Christians Sites in the Nagasaki Region,' designated in 2018, reveals that while such recognition aims to preserve unique heritage, it often reduces complex cultural landscapes to tourist-ready attractions. Comparing UNESCO and Japanese policies, the research highlights how local stakeholders' input is sidelined in favor of predefined authenticity criteria, risking the erosion of living traditions. The findings underscore the need for heritage protection strategies grounded in scientific understanding and aligned with the interests of tradition bearers.

Delakorda Kawashima, T. (2021). The Authenticity of the Hidden Christians’ Villages in Nagasaki: Issues in Evaluation of Cultural Landscapes. Sustainability, 13(8), 4387. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084387