Designated Cultural Properties (指定文化財) are significant cultural assets that are designated, selected, or registered by the national government of Japan for their importance.
These cultural properties are classified into several categories:
- 有形文化財 (Tangible Cultural Properties): These include buildings and works of art.
- 無形文化財 (Intangible Cultural Properties): These are skills and techniques necessary for creating cultural artifacts.
- 民俗文化財 (Folk Cultural Properties): These are manners and customs related to folkways.
- 記念物 (Monuments): These include historic sites, places of scenic beauty, and natural monuments.
- 文化的景観 (Cultural Landscapes): These are landscapes that have evolved together with the ways of life and geographies of the people.
- 伝統的建造物群 (Traditional Buildings): These are groups of traditional buildings that are of high historical or cultural value.
The designation, selection, or registration of these cultural properties is done by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology based on the deliberation of the Cultural Council. The aim is to protect these cultural properties and ensure their preservation for future generations. The designated cultural properties are subject to certain restrictions to preserve their current state, but they also receive support from the national government for their preservation and utilization.