Japan’s traditional architecture gets boost with Unesco listing for ancient techniques

Himeji is regarded as the finest surviving example of traditional Japanese castle architecture

Credit: Richie Chan /iStock Editorial 

Japan’s traditional architectural techniques, showcased in the centuries-old craftsmanship of temples, shrines and wooden homes, are to be added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The move will give a welcome boost to Japan’s dwindling community of elderly craftsmen, whose knowledge of specialist techniques is increasingly at danger of dying out due to a shortage of younger people keen to follow in their footsteps.  ​

A total of 17 traditional artisan skills and specialist expertise, mostly related to Japan’s rich architectural heritage of wooden structures, are to be included in the UNESCO listing.

The techniques can be seen in World Heritage Sites such as 7th century Horyuji Temple in Nara, widely regarded as the world’s oldest surviving wooden structure, and the elegantly white tiered Himeji Castle near Osaka, as well as wooden machiya residences in Kyoto and other rural homes.

It also highlights specialist techniques preserved through generations of craftsmanship using natural materials such as wood, plants and soil. Among them are thatched roofing, urushi lacquerware, sakan plastering and tatami mat weaving.

Despite using natural materials, such techniques are still used to restore or enhance the resilience of old buildings in Japan against earthquakes and typhoons. One such example is Kumamoto Castle, which was heavily damaged by earthquakes in 2016.

Prime minister Yoshihide Suga said in a statement that he “truly rejoices” at news of Japan’s 22nd UNESCO listing. Other previous inclusions were Japan’s traditional washi paper and washoku cuisine.

Mr Suga added: “Structures like Horyuji and Himeji Castle can still be seen to this day thanks to repair work based on traditional techniques.”

Kengo Kuma, a Japanese architect famed for his modern mastery of traditional techniques, told the Telegraph that this sort of work is invaluable.

“Wooden buildings in Japan have been produced by an equal collaboration between designers and craftspeople. This democratic relationship has contributed to the protection and preservation of the craftsmen’s skills.”

The listing is a boost to a growing number of projects aimed at preserving Japan’s traditional architecture. One such project is Wondertrunk’s Setouchi Cominca Stays, which transforms neglected country homes known as kominka in the Setouchi region into exclusive accommodation.

Depopulation of rural areas means more than 8.5 million homes – as many as one in seven – in Japan are empty, according to government figures.

“Many kominka have been abandoned and properties left vacant are at risk of being destroyed,” said Yo Kimura, general manager of the project, which includes five properties renovated by specialist Kyoto architect Shiro Miura. “But this would mean an irreplaceable loss of culture and heritage.

“Built using sophisticated traditional techniques, they cannot be rebuilt using modern materials once torn down. Instead, reimagining vacant kominka as new lodgings for travellers will help protect these residences and preserve a crucial part of the region’s history and culture.”