“Shodo” Japanese Calligraphy Recommended for UNESCO Heritage List
Tokyo, Nov. 5 (Jiji Press)—An evaluation body of UNESCO has recommended “shodo,” the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, for inscription on the U..N. cultural agency’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs said Thursday.
Japanese calligraphy is poised to be included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list on November 5th, marking Japan's first entry since traditional sake brewing was recognized in 2024. The recommendation was made by an evaluation body and will be reviewed by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which convenes in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, starting November 30th.
A final decision on registration is anticipated in early December. If accepted, calligraphy will join Japan's 23 existing entries on the UNESCO list, which includes traditional theater forms, washoku (Japanese cuisine), and other cultural practices. Japan is currently facing pressure from opposition lawmakers to clarify details of a new financial support program and its eligibility criteria, as legislation to decrease the consumption tax on food and implement payments for low- and middle-income earners moves toward final approval in the House of Representatives.
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- Japanese Calligraphy Set to Join UNESCO List newsonjapan.com
