1. What Was Designated: the Momotaro Story of Okayama, Not a Building
The Okayama region has been passed down as the hometown of Momotaro. The legend says Prince Kibitsuhiko defeated a demon named Ura, and this is thought to be the prototype for the "Momotaro" fairy tale [2]. On May 24, 2018, "The Town Where the Momotaro Legend Was Born: Okayama" was certified as a Japan Heritage site, consisting of 27 cultural properties [2]. The key point is that the certified entity is not one building or ruin, but the "story" of the legend. The 27 cultural properties are linked together by this narrative. This raises the question: what does the Japan Heritage system actually certify? The Agency for Cultural Affairs explains that it certifies "stories" that convey Japanese culture and traditions through regional historical charm and characteristics, starting in fiscal year 2015 [1].
2. How Is Japan Heritage Different from World Heritage? Connecting Regions vs. Preserving Sites
World Heritage sites and designated cultural properties aim to recognize value and protect it. In contrast, the Japan Heritage system aims to revitalize regions by utilizing and disseminating cultural properties scattered in various places as a "surface" [3]. Before this system, cultural properties were preserved and utilized individually, making it difficult to convey the charm of the whole region. Therefore, the approach was taken to bundle them by theme or story, similar to World Heritage sites. The logo is said to represent "from points to lines, to surfaces" [4]. Just as stars look scattered individually but form a constellation when connected by lines, this is an image to help grasp the concept. It is important to note that Japan Heritage is not a "system that does not protect." The Agency for Cultural Affairs states that its purpose is not to add new regulations for preservation or to re-evaluate the value of existing cultural properties [1]. The main purpose is to bundle them for utilization and information dissemination, and to advance human resource development.
3. What Kind of Story Gets Certified as Japan Heritage? The Conditions and the School Ruins Example
There are conditions for the stories that are certified. They must be based on traditions and customs rooted in the region's historical background and climate, and they must have a consistent theme that shows the region's charm [5]. Simply explaining the value of cultural properties is not considered a story. Among the 18 sites certified in April 2015, when the system started, is the "Group of Educational Heritage Sites of Early Modern Japan." This story consists of old school ruins in four prefectures, including the former Kodokan in Mito and the Ashikaga School ruins in Ashikaga City [6]. Each school ruin is in a different place. However, when connected by the common themes of "the heart of learning" and "courtesy," they become a single story that can be traced while traveling, showing how people in the past valued learning. The points that were separate locations become a line that can be walked in order.
4. What Happens After Certification? The Goal of About 100 Sites and Three Years of Support
This system was created with an eye on the 2020 Games, with a goal of certifying about 100 sites by 2020 [4]. The first 18 sites were certified in April 2015 [6], and certifications have continued every year since. In the final recruitment year, fiscal 2020, 21 sites were newly certified out of 69 applications. From fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2020, a total of 104 sites were certified, exceeding the goal of 100 [7]. Since 21 sites were certified out of 69 applications that year, the ratio is about 0.30, meaning roughly one in three was selected. Certified regions receive focused financial support for 3 years [7]. However, new recruitment was designated as the last for the time being in fiscal 2020. If support lasts only 3 years, what happens next?
5. Is Certification Permanent? Japan Heritage Reviews and the First Cancellation
Japan Heritage certification is not for life; there are comprehensive evaluations and continuous reviews. In an announcement by the Agency for Cultural Affairs on December 24, 2025, of the 6 stories re-reviewed from fiscal 2016 and 2019, 4 were "Certification Continued," 2 were "Certification Continued (Conditional)," and all 3 scored evaluations resulted in "Certification Continued" [8]. On the other hand, in February 2025, it was reported that the certification of the Japan Heritage site "Ancient Japan's 'Western Capital'" (consisting of 30 cultural properties including Dazaifu Tenmangu) was cancelled. This was the first time since the system was created. The reason given was that the track record of activities and the content of the plans were considered insufficient [9]. In Diet meeting records, issues such as attracting visitors to surrounding areas, circulation methods, cooperation between municipalities, and lack of regional awareness were cited as challenges [10]. It is important not to overlook that the value of the cultural properties themselves was not denied. What was evaluated was the effort to convey the story and welcome people. After certification, the question is whether the region continues its efforts to convey the story.
6. How Can You Make a Story from Your Own Town? Choose Three Places Near Home
What you can do today: Choose three places or items near your home that interest you, and write them down on paper within the range you can see with a guardian. For example, an old shrine, a large tree, or a shop that has been there for a long time. Next, think of one word that connects the three, such as "water," "market," or "play." When you find a common word, the three scattered items should start to look like the stage for one story. What you can do when you go out: Check the Agency for Cultural Affairs Japan Heritage website to see if there is a certified area nearby [1]. When you go out, please go with a guardian and pay attention to traffic and weather. When you actually walk the component cultural properties of the story, you can grasp the sensation of the points you saw on a map becoming a line.