UNESCO Adds Japan’s Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara to World Heritage List

Muscat: Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has inscribed the "Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara" on the World Heritage List. The decision was taken during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, South Korea today. According to Oman News Agency, the archaeological site comprises 19 locations dating from the late sixth to the early eighth century AD, situated in the cities of Kashihara and Sakurai and the village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture. The remains include imperial palaces, temples, gardens, and burial mounds, among them the renowned Kitora and Takamatsuzuka tumuli, celebrated for their wall paintings. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the inscription would deepen global appreciation of the site's historical importance as a testament to the formation of the ancient state in East Asia. He added that the complex bears witness to the emergence of the ancient state in East Asia, shaped by the close ties t hat connected Japan with the Korean Peninsula and continental Asia. Japanese authorities will continue to work with relevant parties to raise awareness of the value and significance of Japan's World Heritage sites and promote them to the international community, the minister said.