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.
この寺は重要文化財に指定されている。
This temple is designated as an important cultural property.
文化財の保護は国の責任だ。
Protecting cultural properties is the nation's responsibility.
地震で貴重な文化財が被害を受けたため、修復作業が進められている。
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 文化財保護法 (Cultural Properties Protection Act) classifies cultural properties into categories including tangible, intangible, folk, and buried cultural properties.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 重要文化財: important cultural property (a legal designation)
- 国宝: national treasure (the highest designation)
- 文化財に指定する: to designate as a cultural property
- 文化財の保護: protection of cultural properties
- 無形文化財: intangible cultural property
CULTURAL NOTE:
Japan has a detailed system for designating and protecting cultural properties at both national and prefectural levels. 重要文化財 (Important Cultural Properties) and 国宝 (National Treasures) are the most well-known designations.