Today, at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the inscription of “Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals,” recommended by our country, on the World Heritage List has been decided.
“Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals,” comprising 19 component assets including the Asukayama Site and Fujiwara Capital Site, has been recognized for its outstanding universal value as a cultural heritage that concretely illustrates, through the transitions of these two capital cities, the process by which a centralized political system was born and established during the formative period of ancient East Asian states.
Since formally recommending it to UNESCO in January last year, the government and local governments have closely collaborated in responding to the expert review process and other matters.
Regarding this joyous outcome today, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and profound respect to all the stakeholders, starting with the local residents who have long devoted themselves to the protection and transmission of “Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals.”
I have renewed my determination to reliably safeguard this precious cultural heritage, which has transitioned from a treasure of Japan to a treasure of the world, and to steadily pass it on to future generations.
I very much hope that many people from both Japan and abroad will visit the site and experience the value and appeal of “Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals.”
: Sanae Takaichi
Prime Minister of Japan