文化財(ぶんかざい)

ぶんかざい
noun
cultural property, cultural asset
culture
1. cultural property, cultural asset
Tangible or intangible items of cultural significance, including buildings, artworks, crafts, performing arts, and customs that are deemed worthy of preservation.
この寺(てら)は重要(じゅうよう)文化財(ぶんかざい)に指定(してい)されている。
This temple is designated as an important cultural property.
文化財(ぶんかざい)の保護(ほご)は国(くに)の責任(せきにん)だ。
Protecting cultural properties is the nation's responsibility.
地震(じしん)で貴重(きちょう)な文化財(ぶんかざい)が被害(ひがい)を受(う)けたため、修復(しゅうふく)作業(さぎょう)が進(すす)められている。
Since valuable cultural properties were damaged in the earthquake, restoration work is underway.

Usage

A formal term used in legal, administrative, and cultural contexts. Japan's 文化財(ぶんかざい)保護(ほご)法(ほう) (Cultural Properties Protection Act) classifies cultural properties into categories including tangible, intangible, folk, and buried cultural properties.

Common collocations

  • 重要(じゅうよう)文化財(ぶんかざい): important cultural property (a legal designation)
  • 国宝(こくほう): national treasure (the highest designation)
  • 文化財(ぶんかざい)に指定(してい)する: to designate as a cultural property
  • 文化財(ぶんかざい)の保護(ほご): protection of cultural properties
  • 無形(むけい)文化財(ぶんかざい): intangible cultural property

Cultural note

Japan has a detailed system for designating and protecting cultural properties at both national and prefectural levels. 重要(じゅうよう)文化財(ぶんかざい) (Important Cultural Properties) and 国宝(こくほう) (National Treasures) are the most well-known designations.

Related Words

Related: 文化(ぶんか) (culture)
Related: 国宝(こくほう) (national treasure)
general
Added 2026.2.23 8:01 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12500/12932_bunkazai