Japanese Calligraphy Set to Join UNESCO List

Nov 05, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japanese calligraphy is set to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list after an evaluation body recommended its registration on November 5th, paving the way for the traditional art form to become Japan's 24th entry and its first since traditional sake brewing was recognized in 2024.

UNESCO's evaluation body issued the recommendation on November 5th, Japan time, recognizing the traditional Japanese art of expressing written characters using brushes, ink, and other materials.

The recommendation will be reviewed by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is scheduled to meet in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, beginning November 30th. A formal decision on registration is expected in early December.

The Japanese government initially submitted calligraphy for registration in 2024, but the examination was postponed, prompting authorities to resubmit the application in 2025.

If approved, calligraphy will become Japan's 24th registered intangible cultural heritage, following the addition of traditional sake brewing in 2024.

Japan currently has 23 entries on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Kabuki theater, Noh theater, and washoku, the country's traditional dietary culture.

Source: TBS

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Japanese Calligraphy Set to Join UNESCO List

Japanese calligraphy is set to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list after an evaluation body recommended its registration on November 5th, paving the way for the traditional art form to become Japan's 24th entry and its first since traditional sake brewing was recognized in 2024.

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