2014 The World Heritage Sites in Japan Photography ExhibitionNEW

From historical monuments to beautiful natural environments, currently, there are a total of 17 cultural and natural sites in Japan registered as UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.  Over 60 beautiful photographs of these sites taken by renowned photographer Kazuyoshi Miyoshi are currently on display as a two-part exhibition at JFLA through March 22nd.

Schedule
Part 1: Tuesday, January 28th - Saturday, February 22nd
Part 2: Tuesday, February 25th - Saturday, March 22nd

Hours
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12pm-7pm
Wednesdays & Fridays 12pm-4pm
Every 2nd & 4th Saturday 12pm-4:30pm

Closed on Sundays, Mondays, 1st & 3rd Saturdays and holidays

Venue
JFLA Auditorium (5700 Wilshire Blvd. #100, Los Angeles, CA 90036)

Admission: Free

For more information: http://www.jflalc.org/ac-exhibit-heritage.html
 
Background
Irreplaceable monuments, structures, and nature in the world are creations and legacies of human history.  In order to preserve and pass on our heritage to future generations, an international treaty called the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Culture and Natural Heritage was adopted by the general assembly of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1972.

Japan and 189 other countries have signed the treaty as of 2013.  The countries which ratified the treaty are obligated to protect and preserve the World Heritage Sites in their homelands with  international cooperation.

As of January 2014, 981 properties (759 cultural, 193 natural, and 29 mixed) are listed.

Currently, there are 17 properties registered as World Heritage Sites in Japan.  Recently, UNESCO registered "Washoku" (Japanese cuisine) as Japan's 22nd Intangible Cultural Heritage in order to preserve fragile intangible cultural heritage such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, and festival events.

The wooden architecture of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, sacred and holy places for Japanese people, still grandly stands over centuries. The hilly and mountainous geography and Japan's four distinct seasons create its sublime nature. The harsh environment and human habitation worked in harmony over a long period of time and formed the distinctive cultural landscape. Within these characteristics of the World Heritage in Japan, we are able to see the adaptability of the Japanese people.

From ancient times, Japanese have believed nature and all objects contain "神-kami" (spirits). We hope you will be able to feel the harmony and reverent faith inherent within these carefully preserved sites captured in over 60 beautiful photographs by Kazuyoshi Miyoshi.