A UNESCO preliminary review panel announced yesterday, Oct. 31, that they are recommending 33 Japanese festivals receive Intangible Cultural Heritage status. This includes five festivals in Kyushu: Hakata Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka, Karatsu Kunchi in Saga, Yatsushiro Myoukensai in Kumamoto, and Hita Gion Hikiyama in Oita. These festivals are already registered as National Intangible Folk Cultural Assets, but UNESCO status would afford these festivals international recognition. All festivals celebrate one of three aspects of Japanese culture: yama (mountains), hoko (spears) or yatai (street vendors). Listing of the 33 festivals is set to be approved at a meeting in Ethiopia in late November. Approval is made official by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Intergovernmental Committee. The body usually accepts the panel’s recommendations. Source: NHK News Web, 11/1
