The Committee

1. Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Sekishu-Banshi: papermaking in the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture’ (submitted by Japan) by the fourth session of the Committee in 2009 (Decision COM 13.56) and the inscription, on an extended basis as a national extension, of ‘Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the ninth session of the Committee in 2014 (Decision 9.COM 10.22),
2. Takes note that Japan has nominated Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper (No. 02291) for inscription, on an extended basis as a national extension, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Washi craftsmanship refers to the traditional practice of making paper by hand using the fibres of the paper mulberry plant. The fibres are first separated, then soaked in clear river water to thicken before being filtered through a bamboo screen. This traditional, hand-made paper is used not only for letter writing, books and documents, but also for home interiors, such as to make paper screens, room dividers and sliding doors. Most of the inhabitants of the practising communities contribute to the process, undertaking roles ranging from the cultivation and harvesting of the mulberry plant to the creation of new Washi products to promote the craft both domestically and abroad.

3. Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   The knowledge and skills related to Washi papermaking are transmitted on three levels: within families of Washi craftspeople; through preservation associations; and by local municipalities. Practising families and their employees work and learn under Washi masters, who, in turn, inherited the techniques from their parents. Community members take pride in their tradition of Washi-making and regard it as a symbol of their cultural identity. As the communities are generally composed of people who are directly engaged in or closely related to the practice, the craft also fosters social cohesion.

R.2:   The element exemplifies the interdependence between the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and sustainable development. The techniques applied to Washi production embody sustainability, as the hand-made paper is crafted without over-harvesting the plants used as raw materials. The element also promotes gender equality by emphasizing the role of women, who make up the majority of the community members concerned by the extension. In addition, the nomination file clearly demonstrates how the extension will increase the visibility and awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage as a source of traditional wisdom in the contemporary world. It highlights the positive impact of the extension on the appreciation of cultural diversity and the promotion of dialogue between communities that share the history of traditional papermaking and its uses.

R.3:   The viability of the element has been ensured by artisans’ communities and associations, with the government’s legal support and financial subsidies for their annual safeguarding plans. The State Party has worked closely with the groups concerned in integrating these plans for the extended element. The Association for the Preservation of Echizen Torinoko Ganpi Paper is currently formulating its safeguarding plans for activities designed to transmit the technique and carrying out various activities such as training seminars, research on raw materials, the cultivation of ganpi, the purchase of tools needed for crafts, public demonstrations and exhibitions.

R.4:   The file demonstrates that the newly joining communities, motivated by the original inscription, actively participated in all stages of the preparation of the extended nomination. They worked closely with government bodies and other Washi communities to ensure alignment and collaboration, playing a central role in the planning, consultation and drafting of the nomination file. Written documentation of free, prior and informed consent is provided.

R.5:   The element was included in Japan’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Properties in 2017. The inventory is updated annually to reflect changes in the viability or conditions of elements, including new additions.

4. Decides to inscribe Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, taking note that the present inscription incorporates and replaces ‘Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper’ (No. 01001), previously inscribed in 2014;
5. Commends the State Party for a well-prepared file that demonstrates a concern for inclusion and consideration of other communities in the country in an ethical and transparent manner.