WORLD HERITAGE THEATER
IN JAPAN

From the mid-19th to the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization that was founded on the key industrial sectors of shipbuilding, iron and steel, and coal mining.

The 17 sites comprising a transnational serial property consisting of more than seven countries, are a testimonial to the invention of a new architectural language that made a break with the past.

Located 60 km off the western coast of Kyushu island, the island of Okinoshima is an exceptional example of the tradition of worshipping a sacred island. The island is also home to beautifully preserved archaeological sites from the 4th to the 9th centuries AD.

During the 15th to 16th centuries, Okinawa was not excluded from the Sengoku (provincial war) era, and numerous, magnificent castles were constructed. Only the stone walls and ruins, however, survive to date.

Silver was produced from this mine since the early 16th century. At its peak, it is estimated that about two thirds of all the silver in circulation throughout the world came from Iwami Ginzan. The heritage site features the streets of an old mining town.

The remains of the Hiroshima Dome after the atomic bombing has been preserved to express the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.