1.
Living National Treasure
An informal title for individuals officially designated as holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. These are master practitioners of traditional arts and crafts, including kabuki, pottery, weaving, and swordsmithing.
彼は人間国宝に認定された。
He was designated a Living National Treasure.
人間国宝の陶芸家が作品展を開いた。
A ceramicist who is a Living National Treasure held an exhibition.
伝統芸能を守るために、人間国宝の技を次の世代に伝えることが重要だ。
To preserve traditional performing arts, it is important to pass on the skills of Living National Treasures to the next generation.
USAGE:
人間国宝 is the popular name for holders of 重要無形文化財 (Important Intangible Cultural Properties). The system was established under the 1950 Cultural Properties Protection Act. Designees receive an annual stipend to support their work and the transmission of their skills.
Fields include traditional performing arts (歌舞伎, 能, 文楽), crafts (陶芸, 染織, 漆芸), and other traditional skills.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 人間国宝に認定される: to be designated a Living National Treasure
- 人間国宝の技: skills of a Living National Treasure
- 人間国宝の作品: works by a Living National Treasure