To safeguard cultural assets situated in the city of Nara
Nara City
Safeguarding and promotion of cultural assets
Pursuant to the Cultural Properties Protection Law, the Nara Prefectural Ordinance on the Safeguarding of Cultural Properties, and the Nara Municipal Bylaws on the Safeguarding of Cultural Properties, basic surveys for the safeguarding of cultural properties, designations of properties as designated cultural properties, support programs for preservation and the transmission of traditions, programs for exhibitions and popularization, and other initiatives are being undertaken.
Nara was founded as a city in 1898. As a result of several subsequent amalgamations with surrounding municipalities, the city now covers 276.84 square kilometres in area and boasts a population of approximately 370,000 persons. In 2002, Nara officially became a core city. Much of Heijokyo, the capital of Japan during the Nara era, is situated within the present city limits and is home to numerous temples and shrines that retain traditions dating back to antiquity, making this city-like Kyoto-a grand repository of historical legacies as an ancient city of Japan. Regarding intangible cultural assets, Nara has become an important stage in terms of the development of such traditional performing arts as gagaku (ancient court music) and Noh dramas that form the basis of events held at temples and shrines. Many examples of folk cultural properties that are imbued with a richness of content-including the Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri (Festival), Daimokutate performances, and the Okinamai performances of Narazuhiko Shrine-have been passed down through the centuries.
Mr. IWASAKA Nanao
Director Listed Cultural Property Division Cultural Property Department
