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Join us for a special talk revealing the rich cultural heritage of Takayama City in central Japan’s Gifu Prefecture and the efforts of local communities to preserve the city’s legacy for generations to come.
Located in the densely forested Hida region, featured in Japan House London’s latest exhibition ‘The Carpenters’ Line’, the city of Takayama was founded around 400 years ago as a castle town. Takayama then flourished as a merchant town and continued to grow after the opening of Takayama Station in 1934. Takayama is now a popular domestic and international tourism destination and tourists flock from around the world to admire its historic city centre, which retains the architecture of the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), and to experience its seasonal cultural festivals. These include the Takayama Festival which is counted among Japan’s three most beautiful festivals and is known for its lavishly decorated yatai (festival floats) which have become important symbols of community.
In this event, Ushimaru Takehiko, the director of the Takayama Board of Education’s Cultural Assets Division, unpacks lesser known aspects of Takayama’s cultural heritage, focusing on how its residents have been protecting the legacy of the city for future generations.
During the event there is an opportunity for guests watching in the Hall and on Zoom to ask questions to the speaker.
Following the event, guests attending in the Hall can enjoy a late-night visit to the exhibition until 20:30.