Japan World Heritage: Lesson of supporting factors and policies from the past to present

Abstract

          Tourism industry in Japan is considered as one of important industries. Many Japanese tourist sites have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO because they are ancient sites with clear traces of historical civilization. In this article, we will study the history of national heritage conservation law from the Meiji period to Heisei period. It was started from the preservation of ancient site such as Shoso-in, a place where the emperor's treasures are kept at Todaiji. It has been preserved as a historical site that represents ancient architecture. After that, a number of laws have resulted in sustainable developments such as The Proclamation for the Protection of Antiques and Old Properties, Ancient Shrines and Temples Preservation Law, The Law for the Preservation of Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monuments, Enactment of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties and Act on the Maintenance and Improvement of Historic Landscape in Communities. According to the research, Japan already has a strong internal intention to pass on its national heritage from one generation to the next generation. In addition to the important policy of preserving national treasures, Japan's educational policies also play an important role
in resulting long-term inheritance of the nation's heritage. It is started with nurturing students from school age to person working in any company. The government supports the media. Many study programs are active with the cooperation of government, private sector and NGOs which result in the transformation of the development structure from a decentralized center into local subdivisions and now, the development from local subdivisions to center one. Even now, Japan's economy is downturn and the fund for World Heritage development is diminished. The main factors of economic society and community contribute to the conservation of national cultural treasure with sustainability.