The Committee
- Recalling the initial inscriptions of ‘Hitachi Furyumono’ and ‘Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival’ (submitted by Japan) by the fourth session of the Committee in 2009 (Decisions COM 13.52 and 4.COM 13.58) and the inscription, on an extended basis as a national extension, of ‘Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the eleventh session of the Committee in 2016 (Decision 11.COM 10.b.19),
- Takes note that Japan has nominated Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan (No. 02292) for inscription, on an extended basis as a national extension, for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Yama, Hoko and Yatai float festivals are held annually in various regions to pray to the gods for peace and protection from natural disasters. A traditional practice that showcases the diversity of local cultures, the festivals involve the collaborative efforts of the practising communities and are a key aspect of their cultural identity. People of all ages and genders share responsibility for the organization and running of the festivals. This includes every step, from the design and construction of the floats to the overall event coordination.
- 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: Men and women of all ages decorate the float, and the float handlers and spectators then come together to celebrate the festival with prayers for peace in the community. Tasks are adapted to the age and experience of the participants, with older bearers transmitting the knowledge and skills to those less experienced, including through formal classes. Teamwork is encouraged among the communities to share and exchange specialized technical skills and knowledge to craft and repair floats. Yama, Hoko and Yatai float festivals play a key role in community-building. The broad engagement required to prepare the festivals also promotes cooperation and social cohesion.
R.2: The nomination file clearly describes how the four newly joining communities consider the extension as a means to enhance the visibility of intangible cultural heritage and promote dialogue among groups with distinct traditions and skills. The element contributes to raising awareness of the importance of cultural diversity, reinforcing community identity, promoting intergenerational transmission and encouraging public participation in float festivals. In addition, the safeguarding of the element is closely linked to the protection of the environment and the State Party is aware that the sustainable management of natural resources is essential for the viability of intangible cultural heritage.
R.3: The nomination file clearly demonstrates that the extension will strengthen existing safeguarding measures, which are already solid and comprehensive. As members of the National Association for the Preservation of Float Festivals, the newly joining communities are fully engaged in safeguarding and transmitting the practices related to the element. They work closely with the national government and local governing bodies to ensure the next generation of event organizers. Their main activities include raising awareness and organizing training sessions among children and young people, creating and repairing floats and planting trees that will be used as the raw material to make floats, among other initiatives.
R.4: The submitting State has adequately explained how the newly joining communities have actively participated in the nomination process, cooperating with other community members, compiling information, providing audiovisual records and giving their free, prior and informed consent to the nomination. Four associations worked together to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities in the preparation of the extension proposal. The file resulting from this cooperation effectively reflects a shared safeguarding vision.
R.5: The Inventory of Intangible Cultural Properties in Japan includes elements designated by the national government as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. This inventory comprises the thirty-three float festivals included in the original nomination, along with four additional festivals included between 2016 and 2021. The inventory is updated once every year.
- Decides to inscribe Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, taking note that the present inscription incorporates and replaces ‘Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan’ (No. 01059), previously inscribed in 2016;
- Commends the State Party for encouraging the exchange of experiences between communities, with special attention paid to creativity and sustainability in the use of natural resources.