Japan's New UNESCO Listing: Asuka and Fujiwara

Japan has won a new UNESCO World Heritage designation. At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, a decision was made on July 26 to inscribe the "Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara" — Japan's nominated candidate — on the World Heritage List.

The property spans two successive periods of ancient Japanese capitals. In a statement, Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said the site is a precious cultural heritage that shows how a centralized state system was born and established during the formative era of ancient states in East Asia, under close exchanges with the Korean Peninsula and the continent.

Motegi welcomed the inscription and said he hopes it will draw wider international attention to the site's value. He added that Japan will continue working with relevant government ministries and agencies to help people around the world understand the value and appeal of its World Heritage sites, including the newly listed property.

Heritage Diplomacy Behind the Asuka-Fujiwara Inscription

The Regional Narrative in the Statement

The foreign minister's announcement deliberately situates the site's value in the region: the centralized state system, the formative era of ancient East Asian states, and close exchanges with the Korean Peninsula and the continent. That framing matters because it presents the inscription as shared regional heritage rather than a narrowly national achievement. This is consistent with the decision being made at a session hosted by the Republic of Korea.

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What the Listing Actually Changes

World Heritage status is, first, a reputational asset. It raises the international profile of the Asuka and Fujiwara capitals and gives Japan's government a fresh platform to promote them abroad. The statement does not, however, provide details on funding, visitor targets, or specific promotion plans. The practical payoff for the sites and nearby communities will therefore depend on how Japan follows through on its pledge to coordinate promotion across ministries.

What the Asuka-Fujiwara Listing Means for Visitors

For travellers and cultural visitors, the new listing mainly changes itinerary planning and expectations.

  • The property covers two successive capital periods, so visitors can treat the Asuka and Fujiwara sites as one combined heritage destination rather than separate stops.
  • Since the July 26 decision at the committee's Busan session gave the site an internationally recognized label, travellers can expect more promotional material as Japan's ministries implement the plan announced by the foreign minister.
  • Japan's government says it will promote its World Heritage sites together, making the new listing a natural addition to any broader Japanese heritage tour.