The Japanese government is taking a proactive approach to the establishment of a national center for the repair of cultural properties. This approach will not only focus on the actual repair works but also on the training of human resources for the sustainable preservation and utilization of cultural properties in the medium- and long-term. The government’s basic plan outlines this vision for the center, which is set to be established in Kyoto by 2030.
The Cultural Affairs Agency is set to announce the basic plan soon, according to government sources. The plan emphasizes the need for a central authority to oversee the repair of cultural properties and to ensure the consolidation of information and systematic completion of necessary tasks. Traditionally, repair works have been handled by private-sector workshops with government funding, leading to concerns about the coordination of repair plans and the lack of human resources in this area.
The government expects to take on a central role in the repair and preservation of cultural properties, including national treasures and important cultural assets like sculptures and paintings. The plan also addresses concerns about the aging of craftspeople and the potential disappearance of repair techniques due to a lack of successors.
The responsibilities of the repair center are outlined in the basic plan, including the promotion of repairs, the establishment of a repair and research system, the development of human resources, and raising public awareness. The center will be responsible for managing all procedures related to repair works, preserving records, and matching individuals aspiring to become repair technicians with private-sector workshops seeking successors.
In addition to its repair-related duties, the center is expected to contribute to the understanding of Japan’s repair culture both domestically and internationally through exhibitions and videos. The ultimate goal is to ensure the sustainable preservation and utilization of cultural properties for future generations.
The emphasis on training human resources and the systematic approach to repair works reflects a commitment to the long-term sustainability of cultural properties in Japan. The government’s involvement in the establishment of the repair center signals a new phase in the preservation and utilization of the country’s rich cultural heritage. With the center set to open in Kyoto by 2030, Japan is taking significant steps to ensure that its cultural properties are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
