1.
intangible cultural property
A category of cultural heritage that includes performing arts, craftsmanship techniques, and other non-physical traditions officially designated for preservation by the Japanese government or UNESCO.
歌舞伎は重要無形文化財に指定されている。
Kabuki has been designated as an important intangible cultural property.
ユネスコの無形文化財リストに和食が登録された。
Japanese cuisine was registered on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.
伝統的な染色技術が無形文化財として保護されている。
Traditional dyeing techniques are being protected as intangible cultural properties.
USAGE:
Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Act (文化財保護法) classifies cultural properties into tangible (有形) and intangible (無形) categories. 無形文化財 covers skills and techniques in performing arts and crafts. When the government designates one as especially important, it becomes a 重要無形文化財.
RELATED TERMS:
- 有形文化財: tangible cultural property (buildings, artworks)
- 人間国宝: Living National Treasure — an individual recognized as a holder of important intangible cultural property
- 世界遺産: World Heritage Site