Educational Heritage Sites ⁢of Early Modern Japan Under Review

Ashikaga School, one of ⁢the Educational Heritage Sites‍ of ‌Early Modern Japan in Ashikaga City

The Agency for Cultural Affairs ⁤has announced a re-examination of‌ the Educational Heritage Sites of Early Modern Japan, including Ashikaga School in‍ Tochigi ​Prefecture, sparking concerns among ​city⁣ officials. Superintendent of Education Oshima Kazuhiko expressed confusion and ​disappointment, stating, “This happened so ⁢suddenly, and I’m completely unable to accept it. We will be asking​ the national government for an explanation.”

Japan ​Heritage, established in 2015, certifies⁢ tangible and⁤ intangible‌ cultural assets by theme or region. The Educational Heritage of Early Modern Japan is ⁣the first certified site, comprising⁤ four early modern⁢ educational facilities: Ashikaga School, the ‍former Kodokan (Mito City), the former Shizutani School (Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture), and the ruins of Kangien Garden‌ (Hita City, Oita Prefecture).

The Educational Heritage World Heritage Registration Promotion Council, consisting of four cities, submitted ⁢a​ regional⁤ revitalization plan to the Agency for Cultural Affairs in March. However, the plan is now being‍ re-examined⁣ due ‍to insufficient efforts and a decline in visitor numbers. A senior official of the ‌city’s Board of Education explained, “We were informed that the number of visitors has not returned to the level​ at the time of the designation and that efforts are insufficient.”

Unlike ‌World Heritage sites, Japan Heritage sites aim to promote tourism and‌ revitalize local areas. The Agency for Cultural Affairs’ decision appears to have deviated ‍from‌ its original intentions.

The council plans to undergo an on-site inspection and exchange of opinions with the​ Agency for Cultural Affairs in October. A decision will be made by the ⁢end of the year on whether to grant certification, grant conditional certification, or revoke⁣ the ‍certification.