The government plans to revise the Protection of Cultural Properties Law to strengthen the preservation and promotion of local festivals and cuisines, it has been learned.
The main purpose of the revision is to add intangible cultural assets to the list of items that are subject to protection by law. Establishment of a system to study contemporary art is also planned from a perspective that the value of such works are expected to be highly appreciated in the future.
The government plans to establish a planning and research committee within the Council for Cultural Affairs -- the Education, Science and Technology Minister's advisory body -- to start discussions and compile a report by the end of this year, before submitting a bill to an ordinary Diet session next year.
The current law classifies cultural properties into two types according to their importance: designated cultural properties, which are protected under strict regulations and generous support; and registered cultural properties, which are subject to rather moderate regulations.
Specifically, designated cultural properties are subsidized by the government when repaired or purchased, and also have restrictions on exports and changes in the status quo. Registered cultural properties, on the other hand, receive subsidies for such treatment that are limited to a portion of the cost, and regulations are lenient, such as only requiring notification of a change in ownership, for example.
Currently, registered cultural properties include tangible cultural properties and tangible folk cultural properties, and the government will try to revise the law to add intangible cultural and folk cultural properties to the list of registered properties as well. The proposed revision will newly include calligraphy and sake brewing, in addition to local cuisines and festivals.
The actual registration will be decided after the education minister consults with the council. The bill will also include a system under which local governments can register their own cultural assets, and the registration is expected to involve some financial support.
Aside from expanding the list of items to be registered, the government will establish a system whereby the Cultural Affairs Agency can, at its commissioner's discretion, embark on studies of art fields whose values have yet to be determined. The new system will cover a wide range, including modern art, fashion and daily necessities. If their importance is recognized, they may be designated and registered as cultural properties and protected.
This year marks 70 years since the enactment of the law. Cultural properties have been classified into tangible and intangible categories, and have been designated and registered according to their importance.
However, fields with a short history or with insufficient academic research achievements have been virtually excluded from the scope of the designation.
Depopulation on top of a low birthrate and lack of active successors has made it difficult for folklore culture in various regions to survive, leading the cultural agency to come up with ways to deal with the situation.
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