Intangible Cultural Property (Japan)
An Intangible Cultural Property , as defined by the Japanese government's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties (1950), is a part of the Cultural Properties of high historical or artistic value such as drama, music, and craft techniques. The term refers exclusively to human skills possessed by individuals or groups which are indispensable to produce Cultural Properties.
Image: Osonowiki
Image: Bunraku doll in national theatre Osaka 1
Image: Fumie Hihara, au shamisen (danse du Kabuki, musée Guimet)
Image: Sanshin
Cultural Property (Japan)
A Cultural Property is administered by the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs, and includes tangible properties ; intangible properties ; folk properties both tangible and intangible; monuments historic, scenic and natural; cultural landscapes; and groups of traditional buildings. Buried properties and conservation techniques are also protected. Together these cultural properties are to be preserved and utilized as the heritage of the Japanese people.
Himeji Castle's keep, designated a National Treasure in 1951 (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Uda Mikumari Shrine in Uda, Nara
Noh performance at Itsukushima Shrine
Kyūshū's Karatsu Kunchi festival was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980.