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

Tokyo, 26 Jul
2026 (ONA) — 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.

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 that 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.

— Ends/Khalid