IRCI2023

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

Sakai City Museum, 2cho, Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City,
Osaka 590-0802, Japan
Tel: +81-72-275-8050 Fax: +81-72-275-8151
https://www.irci.jp©IRCI 2023 All Rights Reserved
Printed in August 2023

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, Japan

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region

Greetings

Contents
Greetings

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01

IRCI and UNESCO Intangible
Cultural Heritage■■■■■
UNESCO Category 2 Centres■■■■■
Operation of IRCI■■■■■UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguardingof the Intangible Cultural Heritage■■■■■
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
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02
02
03
04

Activities of IRCI■■■■■
Activity Focus and Research Projects
under IRCI Medium-Term Programme
FY 2022–2026■■■■■
Projects in FY 2023
■■■■■

05
06

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding

1. Sustainable Research Data Collection for
ICH Safeguarding: Focusing on Central
Asia and Small Island Developing States06

2. Creation of the Asia-Pacific Regional Hubof Research for the Safeguarding of ICH

08

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for
Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies

Photo credits and captions on the front cover
1.

Visit to cooperating institute in Almaty, Kazakhstan (March 2023)

2.

Villagers discussing on their ICH (2017, Gaua, Vanuatu)

3.

A process of traditional handloom weaving in the village of Bhujodi, India(©R.Sethi)

4.

Rice ritual of Ifugao in the Philippines (©Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement)

5.

Traditional basket weaving in Cambodia (©APSARA National Authority)

6.

Traditional dance performance in New Britain, Papua New Guinea (©N.Falk-Simet)

7.

Traditional patterned weaving in Kyrgyzstan (©Institute for Sustainable Development Strategy)

8.

Group discussion at the workshop (December 2018, Sendai, Japan)

9.

A production process of Batik, traditional textiles of Indonesia (©Mahirta)

3
4

5

10

2. Research on ICH Safeguarding andDisaster Risk Management12

3. Research on ICH Affected by the
COVID-19 Pandemic

12

Cooperation with Research Institutes

14

Public Relations

15

Cooperation with Sakai City

15

Timeline of Research Projects

16

Annex

1
2

1. Research on ICH Contributing to SDGs:
Intangible Cultural Heritage for
Sustainable Cities and Communities

6

The International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI), which is one of the institutions of the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) of Japan, was established in Sakai
City, Osaka, in 2011 as a Category 2 Centre of the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). IRCI operates
as an international research hub, aiming to promote the UNESCO Convention
for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (the 2003 Convention)and its implementa-tion, as well as to enhance the safeguarding of intangible
cultural heritage (ICH) by instigating and coordinating research in the AsiaPacific region.
ICH such as oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, and rituals, isalso called living heritage. Transmitted from generation to generation andtrans-formed over time, ICH nurtures cultural diversity, which is a source ofinnova-tion, creativity, and exchange. In the current world, with increased
globalization, where we face the issues of maintaining cultural diversity
and promoting sustainable development; the expectations for thecontribution of culture to sustainable development are high. In addition,
as mentioned in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
the role of ICH including tradi-tional knowledge and cultural practices held
over generations by communities should be further recognized.
The Asia-Pacific region, which covers two-thirds of the world population, isthe treasure house of ICH. However, this rich cultural diversity is currently
endan-gered by various factors such as social transformation, ageing,disasters, and conflicts. Safeguarding ICH is an urgent issue, andinternational cooperation is crucial.
To address these concerns, IRCI, as a research hub in the field of ICH
safe-guarding in the Asia-Pacific region, is committed to creating a platform
for ICH research and conducting various case studies on practices that
address ongo-ing international issues, including Disaster Risk Management,
SDGs, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These activities are carried out in close
cooperation with UNESCO and other related organizations such asuniversities, research insti-tutes, governmental and non-governmentalorganizations, museums, and com-munities worldwide.
As an international institution in Japan and the forerunner of ICH
safeguarding, IRCI will continue its efforts alongside diverse actors torevitalize ICH and promote its safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region byimplementing and facili-tating relevant research programmes.
We appreciate your cooperation with the activities of IRCI.

International Meetings and Workshops

18

Reports and Publications

20

7
8

9
10

10. Traditional Baul singers in Bangladesh (2022, Manikganj, Bangladesh)Shin-Osaka
Osaka

Hankai LineTo Namba

Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
Sakaihigashi
JR Hanwa Line
City Office

Nank

ai Ko

ya LinNintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Goryomae

Goryo Street
Bus Stop
Hakubutsukan-maeeTennoji

MACHIDA Daisuke

Mikunigaoka

Nakamozu

Mozu
To Kansai Airport

Semboku Rapid Railway

Director-General
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

Fukai

IRCI
01

IRCI and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
UNESCO Category 2 Centres
Category 2 Centres are institutions that serve to contribute to the achievement of UNESCO’s strategic objectives. There are currently
eight UNESCO Category 2 Centres around the world, including Japan, in the field of the safeguarding of ICH. In the Asia-Pacificregion, in addition to IRCI, there are Category 2 Centres in China and the Republic of Korea, with which IRCI cooperates and works intandem. The three centres have different mandates: research for IRCI, information and networking for the International Information
and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP) in the Republic of Korea, and training for
the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (CRIHAP) in China.

Operation of IRCIIRCI activities are implemented with the approval of its Governing Board. The Governing Board is made up of ten experts and representatives of specialized institutions inside and outside Japan including a UNESCO representative. The Governing Board deliberates
and approves all IRCI activities, including long-term and medium-term programmes, work plans, and reports. In addition, IRCI’s Advisory Body provides professional advice when planning research programmes. Furthermore, Mr. MATSUURA Koïchiro, Former Director-General, UNESCO, was appointed as an honorary adviser of IRCI in October 2017 to provide advice and support concerning theoperation of IRCI.

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

Tokyo National Museum
Kyoto National Museum

Kyushu National Museum
Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties
International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region

Organization of IRCI

Governing Board

Director-General
AdviceUNESCO
Advisory Body

Research
SectionAdvice02 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)The 2003 Convention was the outcome of discussions held at UNESCO since around 1970 for the purpose of safeguarding
folklore, including oral traditions and folk arts. The Convention has four objectives: (1) to safeguard intangible cultural heritage;(2) to ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups and individuals concerned; (3) to raiseawareness at the local, national and international levels of the importance of intangible cultural heritage; and (4) to provide forinternational cooperation and assistance.

There are two organs through which decisions regarding the Convention are made. One is the General Assembly of the States
Parties, which meets every other year to decide strategic directions to be taken for promoting the objectives of the Convention. The other is the Intergovernmental Committee, which is made up of member states elected by the General Assembly. The
Intergovernmental Committee, composed of 24 states, is held once a year and works for the concrete implementation of theConvention. Its most important roles are to deliberate on the inscription on two lists of intangible cultural heritage and to
decide on good safeguarding practices of intangible cultural heritage.

Nara National Museum

General Affairs
SectionThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1945 for the purpose ofpromoting international collaboration in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication. Among its activities isthe adoption and implementation of the legal instruments such as international conventions. Regarding culture, there are atotal of seven conventions, including the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage(World Heritage Convention), which was adopted at the 17th Session of the General Conference (1972), and the Convention on
the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which was adopted at the 33rd Session of the General
Conference (2005). Among them is the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (the 2003 Convention), which was adopted in 2003, about 30 years after the ratification of the World Heritage Convention which aims topreserve and protect tangible cultural heritage.

Intangible cultural heritage is defined in the text of the Convention as follows: “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups
and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.” (Article 2 (1)). More specifically, they are: (1) oral
traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; (2) performing arts; (3) social practices, rituals and festive events; (4) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and (5) traditional craftsmanship. States Parties to the Convention are required to draw up inventories of their own intangible cultural heritage (Article 12).

Approval of activities

Cooperation

UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

In Articles 16 and 17, the 2003 Convention requires the Intergovernmental Committee to establish, keep up to date andpublish two lists, namely the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” (Representative List) and the“List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding” (Urgent Safeguarding List) . The Representative List of the2003 Convention takes the standpoint of not placing higher value upon one intangible cultural heritage than the other. The
Representative List showcases the diversity of intangible cultural heritage of humanity around the world, and aims to bringinternational awareness. In the implementation of the 2003 Convention, more emphasis is placed on the Urgent Safeguarding
List than the Representative List, and in this regard, it differs from the World Heritage Convention. The 2003 Convention focuses on the practitioners’ daily lives in relation to intangible cultural heritage, and thus encourages the participation of communities to which the practitioners belong (Article 15 ).
Many member states that have ratified the 2003 Convention currently suffer from poverty, low rates of literacy, a lack ofexperts, a lack of interest among young people, urbanization, conflict, and war. For this reason, assistance in developing legal
systems, training of human resources, financial assistance, sustainable education, and so forth are seen as necessary. As
particular emphasis is placed on the Urgent Safeguarding List laid forth in Article 17, it follows that an appropriate framework
for international assistance and safeguarding measures need to be developed.
IRCI has implemented research projects in close cooperation with UNESCO and other related institutions such as universities,
research institutes, governmental and non-governmental organizations, museums, and communities worldwide. One example
is a community-led documentation of intangible cultural heritage in danger of disappearing since 2012, conducted throughdiscussions with practitioners of arts and craftsmanship, and government officials. With a focus on the process by whichelements of intangible cultural heritage have become in danger of disappearing, IRCI has used a variety of methodologies tomake audiovisual documentation. As a research institution, IRCI aims to share the outcomes of such research with the communities and contribute to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This is because, as stated above, the 2003 Convention
places strong emphasis on communities, in other words, people who maintain and transmit intangible cultural heritage.

03

IRCI and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) ?
ICH is living cultural heritage. Being transformed over time, it is transmitted from generation to generation and gives us
cultural identity and richness. In the text of the 2003 Convention, the following examples of ICH are provided:

Oral Traditions
and Expressions

Activities of IRCI

Activity Focus and Research Projects under IRCI
Medium-Term Programme FY 2022–2026
IRCI implements a range of research activities utilizing its network with researchers and institutions within and outside Japan, following the two major activity focuses as set out in the Medium-Term Programme. By implementing various research projects, IRCI will
strengthen its function as a research centre for safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacific region.

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
Research plays an important role in promoting ICH safeguarding. The following projects are implemented in FY 2023 to instigate
research for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region.

1 Falak, traditional folklore music (Tajikistan)©Tajikistan National Commission for UNESCO,
2020, with the permission of UNESCO

1 Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding: Focusing on Central Asia and Small Island Developing States

2 Pantun, a form of Malay verse (Indonesia, Malaysia)©Policy Research Center of Education and Culture, Ministry of
Education and Culture, Indonesia, 2017, with the permission of
UNESCO

2 Creation of the Asia-Pacific Regional Hub of Research for the Safeguarding of ICH

1

2

Performing Arts

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies
Practical case studies that address ongoing international issues, such as disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, andSDGs, from the perspective of ICH, are conducted in collaboration with research institutes, universities, and NGOs in the Asia-Pacificregion. The following projects are implemented in FY 2023.

3 Royal ballet of Cambodia (Cambodia)©International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI), 2013

4 The art of Bài Chòi in Central Viet Nam（Viet Nam）

1 Research on ICH Contributing to SDGs: Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities©Vietnamese Institute for Musicology, 2014, with the permission of
UNESCO

2 Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk Management
3 Research on ICH Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
3

4

Threats to the Transmission of ICH

Social Practices,
Rituals and Festive Events
Globalization

5 Kumbh Mela, pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism（India）

Depopulation

Poor
education

Poverty

ClimatechangeConflict

Disaster©Sanjay Jagtap, India, 2015, with the permission of UNESCO

6 Yeondeunghoe, lantern lighting festival on Buddha’s
birthday (Republic of Korea)©The Cultural Heritage Administration and the Yeondeunghoe
Safeguarding Association, Republic of Korea, 2018, with thepermission of UNESCO

Enhancement of
ICH safeguarding

7 Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage (Thailand)

Development ofresearch methodology

Case studies

Fostering young
researchers

Knowledge andPractices Concerning Natureand the Universe

Identification ofchallenges

6

Analysis ofresearch trends

5© Folk Medecine and Thai Health Network Association, 2017,with the permission of UNESCO

8 Falconry, a living human heritage (Kazakhstan, Republicof Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, etc.)©National Commission of the Kyrgyz Republic for UNESCO, 2019,with the permission of UNESCO

7

8

Collectionof research
information

Database

Researchseminars

Conferences

Traditional CraftsmanshipField
researchWorkshops

Conferences

ICH for Sustainable Cities and Communities

9 Tais, traditional textile (Timor-Leste)

Sustainable Research Data Collection©Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO, 2020,
with the permission of UNESCO

10 Traditional skills, techniques and knowledge for theconservation and transmission of wooden architecture
in Japan (Japan)

Creation of the Research Forum©Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan, 2019, with the permission of
UNESCO

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
9

04 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)10

ICH and Disaster Risk Management
ICH and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for
Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies
05

Activities of IRCI

Projects in FY 2023
Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding1

Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding:
Focusing on Central Asia and Small Island Developing States(FY 2022–2024)

Research information such as literature related to ICH and its safeguarding is essential for understanding the current situation andchallenges of ICH safeguarding. Therefore, IRCI has been collecting research information contributing to ICH safeguarding in the
Asia-Pacific region since FY 2013 and making it accessible on the IRCI Research Database. In FY 2019, IRCI launched the project“Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding” to systematically accumulate information through institutional collaboration, and data collection activities were mainly conducted in Southeast Asia. Since FY 2022, the project has shifted its regional
focus to Central Asia and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), where the current situation of related research has not been fully
understood, to update information on research in these regions.
In this fiscal year, full-scale data collection activities are being undertaken in Central Asia in cooperation with partner organizations in
Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the collaborating institutions in their respective countries. For SIDS, IRCI
has already established cooperative partnerships with institutions in Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, andseveral countries including Maldives are expected to join the project this year. Considering that human resources are limited in small
island countries, the institutions in SIDS will collect information to the maximum extent possible, while IRCI will continue to provide
the necessary support. This project is expected to help its partners accumulate research information related to ICH safeguarding ineach country and to analyze research trends, thereby stimulating discussion and research activities related to ICH safeguarding within
the countries and the region.

Related Past ProjectCollection and Sharing of Research Information for Safeguarding ICH
Information on available literature, researchers, research institutions, andresearch activities related to ICH is crucial for safeguarding ICH. However,such information is scattered across the region and countries, and thus,
difficult to grasp. IRCI started collecting information on ICH research throughthe Mapping Project from FY 2013 to understand the state of research and to
identify challenges for safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacific region, while
making the collected information accessible on the IRCI Research Database.
In order to collect research information more systematically, IRCI launched theSustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-PacificRegion project, in which research information was collected consecutively
from FY 2019 to FY 2021 in cooperation with research institutions such asuniversities and NGOs in various countries, mostly in Southeast Asia.

The First Working Group Meeting (June 2019, Tokyo, Japan)

Apart from collecting information, related activities such as meetings and workshops were also organized inviting cooperating researchers, institutions, and ICH experts, which contributed to the enhancement of sharing information on the current status and challenges of
ICH research in the Asia-Pacific region.

Utilization of IRCI Research Database
Amid the growing importance of research on ICH and its safeguarding, IRCI has been
providing information on publications, researchers, and institutions related to ICH and its
safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region through the IRCI Research Database since FY 2014
to share research information and promote research on ICH safeguarding in the region.
The database contains information on various ICH genres such as oral traditions, performing arts, festive events, and traditional craftsmanship, and deals with broad research fields,
including documentation, policymaking, education, capacity building, and disaster prevention. As of March 2023, approximately 3,000 entries covering 48 countries had been registered. By providing English abstracts, information written in the local languages has attracted more users worldwide.

Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Uzbekistan

China
Iran

Republic of Korea
Japan

Nepal

IRCI Research Database (Top page)

Bangladesh
India

Laos

MyanmarThailandThis database has been upgraded several times since its release. In FY 2022, it was further
improved by the addition of a search function by country and links to detailed information
on researchers and institutions. IRCI continues to refine the database by improving searchfunctions, advancing usability, and enriching its content for all potential users, such as
researchers, experts, students, ICH practitioners, and government officials.

Sri Lanka

Cambodia

The Philippines
Palau

Viet Nam
Malaysia
Brunei Darussalam
Singapore

Papua New Guinea
Indonesia

Characteristics of collected articles● Written language of collected articles

Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan

Timor-Leste● ICH Genres Analyzed in collected articles
others (564)culture (1)Vanuatu

not specifed (42)oral tradition (588)history (1)Solomon Islands

Australia

Fiji

Samoa
French Polynesia
Cook Islands

language (1)performing arts (490)

ICH in general (525)English47%

Local
Languages
53%

traditional medicine (64)music (220)food culture (88)sports/games (35)

dance (150)

traditional
craftsmanship (356)worldview (250)social practices (745)ecological knowledges
and practices (212)festive events (359)

06 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)New Zealanddrama (46)rituals (532)Surveyed countries and region by FY 2018 (31 countries and a region)
Countries where partner organizations on “Sustainable Research Data Collection” project from FY 2019 are located (16 countries)

07

Activities of IRCI

Projects in FY 2023

2

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding

Creation of the Asia-Pacific Regional Hub of Research for the
Safeguarding of ICH (FY 2022–2026)

IRCI’s mission is to promote research for safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacific region. Aiming to strengthen researchers’ regional collaborations and provide them with opportunities for interdisciplinary discussions, IRCI has carried out international conferences suchas researchers forums and expert meetings.
This project is designed to stimulate research activities and international collaboration by creating and managing a new platform
Asia-Pacific Research Forum for ICH Safeguarding, a common place for interaction among the researchers and research institutions
involved in ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region. Employing an online format, various programmes have been implemented
through this forum, such as research seminars, international conferences, and workshops for young researchers, which are open to all
those interested.
In FY 2022, a planning committee composed of leading experts in the Asia-Pacific region was established to develop programmes.
Reflecting the needs and interests shared in the region, a series of online seminars were launched to explore various topics, such as
the challenges in safeguarding ICH and latest trends in ICH research. Three seminars were held in FY 2022 by inviting researchers
active in ICH safeguarding as guest lecturers. Online seminars will be continued in FY 2023, one of which will be dedicated to the 20th
anniversary of the 2003 Convention. Furthermore, activities such as a workshop targeting young ICH researchers and an international
conference are also under preparation, to be held in the coming years.

Asia-Pacific Research Forum for ICH Safeguarding
Planning committee
ICH Researchersand Experts in the
Asia-Pacific region• Consists of 5-6 researchers• Develop programmes contents

OnlineseminarPeople Involved in
ICH Safeguarding

Programme
for youngresearchers

Conference/
Symposium

Facebook group• Sharing ICH-related information• Announcement of seminars and events• Webcasting of seminar recordings

ICH Practitioners

Scan this QR code to join
the Forum Facebook group.

Related Past Project

IRCI Researchers ForumThe Second Online Seminar (March 2023)

Under the Mapping Studies on the Safeguarding of ICH Project focusing
on collection and analysis of research information on ICH safeguarding in
the Asia-Pacific region, IRCI held a series of expert meetings to encourage discussions among ICH researchers in the region. Building uponthese discussions, IRCI started to organize the IRCI Researchers Forumon ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region biennially since FY 2017,
to strengthen the network of researchers and provide a foundation for academic discussions. In the past forums, inter-disciplinary discussions
were facilitated focusing on specific themes: the first forum co-organizedby the National Museum of Ethnology was titled “Negotiating Intangible
Cultural Heritage”, and the second forum co-organized by the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties was on “Perspectives of
Research for Intangible Cultural Heritage towards a Sustainable Society”.
Marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of IRCI, the third forum
titled “Progress and Challenges in the Research for the Safeguarding ofIntangible Cultural Heritage–Towards a Sustainable Future–” was held
online on 29 October 2021. Reflecting on IRCI’s research activities, theforum facilitated discussions from various viewpoints on the progress of
ICH research in the past ten years and the prospects for further researchin the future.

Flyers of Online Seminars

08 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)The First Researchers Forum “Negotiating Intangible Cultural Heritage”(December 2017, National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka, Japan)

The Third Researchers Forum “Progress and Challenges in the Research
for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage –Towards a Sustainable
Future–” (October 2021, Online)

09

Activities of IRCI

Projects in FY 2023

1

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies

Research on ICH Contributing to SDGs: Intangible Cultural Heritage
for Sustainable Cities and Communities (FY 2022–2024)

Related Past Project

Multi-disciplinary Study on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development:
Focusing on Education (FY 2018–2019)
Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goal on education (SDG 4) encourages the education that helps understand the contribution of cultural diversity and culture to sustainable development. This project investigated how ICH could be incorporated into
education and contribute to SDG 4.7, by implementing two case studies in cooperation with cultural and educational research
institutions in Viet Nam and the Philippines, focusing on formal and non-formal education respectively.

The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), which were adopted in 2015 as common goals to beachieved by international society by 2030, has now progressedhalfway through the target period. IRCI has been implementing
research projects on the importance of ICH in the context of theSDGs since FY 2018. From FY 2022, IRCI began to focus on
SDG 11.4 aiming to strengthen the safeguarding of cultural andnatural heritage for sustainable cities and communities. In cooperation with institutions in Cambodia, Fiji, and Malaysia, the project has been investigating how tangible and intangible cultural
heritage shapes the cultural and historical landscapes of communities and, in particular, how ICH plays a role in developing
and maintaining sustainable cities and communities.

The guidelines for utilizing ICH as educational tools were developed for each case and applied in actual classroom settings. The result
proved that utilizing ICH in education helped learners not only acquire the ICH knowledge and skills but also enhance their school
performance in general. For educators and cultural practitioners, it became an opportunity to devise a new teaching methodology. It
was also effective in fostering learners’ pride and affection towards their community and building cooperative ties among stakeholders.

In FY 2022, preliminary research was undertaken in each country,
and the results were presented at the international symposium
held in Nara, Japan. During this symposium, case studies fromJapan, Nepal, Philippines, Tajikistan, and Vanuatu were also
shared, and views on various issues related to safeguarding,transmitting, and utilizing cultural heritage were exchanged
among participants. The discussion also emphasized that tangible and intangible cultural heritage are inseparable in realizing
sustainable cities and communities. Collaborators in each country will proceed to full-scale field research from this year toachieve sustainable communities by working closely with communities through activities such as local workshops.

Subanen traditional songs and dances in practice as a learning programme of the Schoolof Living Traditions (SLT) (August 2019, Lakewood SLT, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines）

Tugging rituals and games in the experience activities class(October 2019, Hanoi, Viet Nam)

Research on ICH’s Contribution to SDGs: Education and Community Development (FY 2020–2021)
Utilizing ICH in education in the previous project showed the possibility that ICH plays a certain role in connecting education and thecommunity. Accordingly, the project from FY 2020 explored its contribution to SDGs 4.7 and 11.4, focusing on the relationshipamong ICH, education, and community development, in cooperation with NGOs in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan.
Leather crafting in Siem Reap, Cambodia©APSARA National Authority, 2022

Case studies in these countries exemplified that ICH had been appreciated and transmitted among people regardless of generationand gender, being adapted to the time. The above aspects are vital to fostering solidarity and affection towards their community,
which is necessary for its development. In addition, education incorporating ICH was also effective in improving learners’ non-cognitive skills such as a sense of discipline and creativity. Also, two symposia were held in January and December of 2021 in which
Japanese youth, educators, members of the Japan Junior Chamber, and others, presented their case studies and shared their experiences of developing communities with ICH.

Traditional folk song &dance Dhamail in a rural
setting in Bangladesh©DAM

Workshop for bamboo basket in Natoaika Village, Fiji

©iTaukei Institute of Language & Culture, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Culture Heritage and Arts Fiji

10 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

Preparation of food distribution at Dato Koyah Shrine by Persatuan Warisan Dato Koyah
in George Town, Penang, Malaysia ©Adam Malik and George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2022

Traditional theatricalperforming art Kethoprak inIndonesia
A community museum utilizing Yurt, a traditional nomadic housing in Kyrgyzstan ©Taalim-Forum©DFCLC

11

Activities of IRCI

Projects in FY 2023

2

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies

Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk Management(FY 2020–2023)

Amid growing international concerns about the disaster risk management of cultural heritage, discussions concerning the safeguarding of ICH in emergencies havemade considerable progress in the past six years or so. Alongside this development, IRCI implemented a three-year research project from FY 2016 on ICH anddisaster risk management in the Asia-Pacific region, which is frequently exposed tovarious natural hazards, to explore the current situation and challenges (see page13). Building on the recommendations adopted at the workshop held in December
2018 as a project outcome, the current project carries out more practical researchfor safeguarding ICH from disasters and mobilizing ICH for disaster risk reduction.
Considering the difficulty of conducting field research due to COVID-19, IRCI developed a worksheet for assessing the potential disaster risks to ICH and aspects of
ICH that are effective for disaster risk reduction and recovery to be applied for all
ICH domains and typical disaster types. Using this worksheet, a desk study was
conducted in cooperation with researchers and institutions from eight countries(Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Philippines, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam).
In FY 2022, field research was undertaken in these countries, after discussing theresults of the desk study through an online workshop. In FY 2023, the final
workshop will be held in Japan to summarize all the activities and discuss what we
can do to reduce disaster risks to ICH and utilize ICH for disaster risk reduction,with a view to developing practical action plans.

3

Related Past Project
Reflecting the increasing global awareness on the disaster risk management of cultural heritage, UNESCO initiated discussions on ICH
in emergencies since 2016, which led to the adoption of the “Operational principles and modalities for safeguarding intangible cultural
heritage in emergencies”. Concurrently with this trend, IRCI conducted research projects in the Asia-Pacific region on the situation of
ICH threatened by disasters triggered by natural hazards or conflicts, efforts to safeguard ICH from disasters, and the role of ICH in
disaster risk management.

Research on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Natural Hazards (FY 2016–2018)

Villagers discussing on their ICH (2017, Gaua, Vanuatu)

Interview with local residents (2018, Ifugao, Philippines)

During FY 2016–2017, case studies were
implemented in five countries, namely, Fiji,
Myanmar, the Philippines, Vanuatu, andViet Nam in cooperation with researchers
and research organisations to understandthe situation of ICH in the context of natural hazards and disasters. The Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on ICH and Natural
Disasters held in 2018 was an opportunity
to discuss intensively the issues related to
ICH and natural hazards, and the role of
ICH for disaster risk reduction and management. “Statements and Recommendations for Safeguarding ICH in Disasters
and Mobilising ICH for Disaster Risk Reduction”, which was the outcome of the
final discussion, became the guidelines
for activities that followed.
Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on ICH and Natural Disasters (December 2018, Sendai, Japan)

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies

Research on ICH Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic(FY 2021–2023)

Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in Asia (FY 2017–2020)
The Armed conflict destroys significant cultural
heritage in the affected area. While the international frameworks for the restoration and protection of“tangible” cultural heritage damaged by conflicts
have been developed, discussions have not progressed for safeguarding ICH in this context.
However, the importance of ICH in the post-conflict revitalization of people’s livelihood and communities has been gradually recognized. Against
this background, IRCI implemented this research
project to safeguard ICH that was threatened byconflict in Afghanistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, andTimor-Leste. The project evidenced the difficulties
and challenges in safeguarding ICH in conflict-affected situations. Nevertheless, its activities
enhanced the understanding of ICH and related
research among the collaborators and cultivated
the knowledge among young researchers.

The global COVID-19 outbreak has affected human lifestyles in many ways.
During this pandemic, many ICH elements were faced with enormous difficulties
in continuing their practice as the pandemic restricted social interaction, and such
emergencies caught worldwide attention. Therefore, this project was developed toinvestigate the practice, transmission, and safeguarding of ICH during the
COVID-19 pandemic by conducting case studies in the Asia-Pacific region. It also
aims to demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability deeply embedded in ICH andrelated communities by exploring how the practice and transmission of ICH weremodified or transformed during this pandemic.
Interview with Baul practitioners (2022, Manikgani, Bangladesh)

This project was conducted in cooperation with research institutions andresearchers from nine countries (Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and the Republic of Korea) in the region.
First, a questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the overall situation of ICH
in each country. Based on the results of this survey, field research was implemented in FY 2022 to document and follow specific cases of ICH highlighted in thequestionnaire. In FY 2023, a regional conference will be held to conclude the project. Inviting cooperating researchers from each country, this conference willaddress the issues and challenges associated with ICH and epidemics in general,
while sharing and reflecting on the results of case studies.

12 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)Interview with local residents (2017, Manufahi, Timor-Leste)
Interview with a villager (Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan)©Rural Development Fund)

13

Activities of IRCI

Cooperation with Research Institutes

Public Relations

IRCI promotes research for safeguarding ICH in cooperation with research institutes, universities, museums, government agencies, andNGOs in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. To date, IRCI has concluded memoranda of understanding with over 40 institutions to implement joint projects, such as field research, collecting information, and organizing international conferences and symposia (see page 18).

IRCI releases comprehensive information about its activities and ICH through various media. For instance, the IRCI Brochure ispublished annually in Japanese and English, and distributed to UNESCO’s headquarters and field offices, Category 2 Centres, andNational Commissions for UNESCO in each country, as well as research institutes and universities at home and abroad. Additionally, the
IRCI leaflet was renewed in accordance with its new Medium-Term Programme, which began in FY 2022. Information on the projects
and activities is regularly updated on the IRCI website (https://www.irci.jp/), where major publications such as project reports andproceedings are also available in PDF format. An official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IRCI.Official/) was established todisseminate information to a wide range of people.

IRCI has also strengthened its cooperation with other organizations within the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, to which IRCI
belongs. In the case of the Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk Management project, for instance, the Tokyo National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties has been working with IRCI since FY 2016 with its extensive experiences in the field of disasterrisk management of ICH in Japan. Since FY 2021, the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Center established in 2020 has also
been contributing to the project.
IRCI is further expanding its network and strengthening its cooperative ties with institutions within Japan and abroad to promoteresearch for safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacific region.

Major Cooperative Research Institutes
ThailandJapan• Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties• Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk
Management Center• National Museum of Ethnology• Center for Glocal Studies (CGS),
Seijo University• Center for Northeast Asian Studies,
Tohoku University• Nara University of Education

Malaysia• University of Malaya• George Town World
Heritage Incorporated• Thammasat Museum of Anthropology,
Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology,
Thammasat University• Faculty of Fine Arts, Srinakharinwirot
University (SWU)

The Philippines• National Commission for Culture and theArts (NCCA)• College of Social Sciences and Philosophy,
University of the Philippines-Diliman

Viet Nam
Timor-Leste• Ministry of Education & Culture• National Commission for UNESCO

Republic of Korea• Vietnam National Institute ofCulture and Arts Studies (VICAS)• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME)• Vietnam Institute of Educational
Sciences (VNIES)• Vietnam National University

Myanmar• University of Yangon

https://www.irci.jp/• Center for Intangible Culture Studies

Cambodia• APSARA National Authority

Sri Lanka• National Crafts Council (NCC)

IRCI
Field researchIndia• Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM)• University of Dhaka• Bangla Academy

Indonesia• Faculty of Cultural Science, Departmentof Archaeology, Gadjah Mada University• Dewi Fortuna Community Learning Center (DFCLC)• RedR Indonesia

Research data collection

Kyrgyzstan• Aigine Cultural Research Center• Taalim-Forum Public Foundation (TFPF)• Rural Development Fund (RDF)

Workshops

IRCI cooperates with Sakai City to promote public awareness of ICH. For instance, panels introducing ICH and IRCI’s activities havebeen displayed at the Sakai City Museum, where IRCI is located. IRCI also cooperates in events, seminars, and symposia organized by
Sakai City for the general public to deepen their understanding.

Fiji• iTaukei Institute of Language and Culture (TILC)• Department of Heritage and Arts,
Ministry of Education

International conferences& Forums

Tajikistan

Papua New Guinea• ICH Center, Research Institutionof Culture and Information

Mongolia• National Cultural Commission• Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies• Council for Cultural Heritage Networking
and Communication• National Center for Cultural Heritage

Kazakhstan• Kazakhstan ICH National Committee

Palau• Belau National Museum, Palau• Persian Garden Institute for Living
Heritage (PGILH)

Cooperation with Sakai City

Symposia• Craft Revival Trust

Iran

https://www.facebook.com/IRCI.Official/

Bangladesh

Uzbekistan• Center for Promotion of Cultureand Art of Uzbekistan ‘Umrboqiy Meros’

14 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

Vanuatu

Symposium celebrating the 10th anniversary of IRCI“Discussing the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Sakai”(October 2021, Sakai, Japan) (Photograph: courtesy of Sakai City Museum)The 34th Seminar for Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage“Traditional Performing Arts and People’ s Lives in Java, Indonesia”(August 2022, Sakai, Japan)• Vanuatu Cultural Centre

15

Activities of IRCI

Timeline of Research Projects
FY2012FY2013

FY2014FY2015FY2016FY2017

Medium-Term Programme (FY 2012–2015)

FY2018FY2019FY2020

FY2021

Medium-Term Programme (FY 2016–2021)

FY2022

FY2023

FY2024FY2025

FY2026

Medium-Term Programme (FY 2022–2026)

Activity Focus I

Activity Focus I

Activity Focus I

Mapping Studies on
the Safeguarding of ICH

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding

Mapping
Project

International Experts Meetings
Literature Survey on ICH Safeguarding Research in the Asia-Pacific Countries

Research for Endangered Traditional Handicrafts in Post-Conflicted States (Sri Lanka).
Meeting on further cooperation and sharing the final report with Minister of Traditional
Industries and Small Enterprise Development (September 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka)

Research Data Collection on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region and Optimisation of its Use

Researchers Forum

Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH
Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region

Sustainable Research Data Collection
for ICH Safeguarding: Focusing on
Central Asia and Small Island
Developing States

Researchers Forum

Creation of the Asia-Pacific Regional Hub of Research for the
Safeguarding of ICH

Researchers Forum

Activity Focus II

Research on the Safeguarding of ICH for
Building Sustainable and Resilient Societies
Multi-disciplinary Studyon ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development:
Focusing on Education

Activity Focus II

Research for Safeguarding
Endangered ICH
Documentation of ICH as a Tool for
Community-led Safeguarding Activities

Research on ICH’s Contribution to
SDGs: Education and Community
Development

Research for Safeguarding ICH on the Verge of Extinction. A practitioner of Dong Ho
Woodblock Printing in the community (January 2015, Bac Ninh Province, Viet Nam)

Research on ICH Contributing toSDGs: Intangible Cultural Heritage
for Sustainable Cities and Communities

Activity Focus II

Research on ICH Safeguarding and Disaster Risk Management
Preliminary Research on
ICH Safeguarding andthe Disaster-Risk
Management in the
Asia-Pacific Region

Asia-Pacific Regional
Workshop on ICH andNatural Disasters

Safeguarding the ICH for the
Promotion of Cultural Identity andCommunity Resilience in Timor-Leste
Research for Safeguarding ICH on the
Verge of Extinction: Vietnamese ICH
Element Dong Ho Woodblock Printing
Research for Endangered Traditional
Handicrafts in Post-Conflicted States(Sri Lanka)
Study of Legal Systems Related to ICH
in the Greater Mekong Region

16 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

Research on ICH
Safeguarding and Disaster
Risk Management

Study of Legal Systems related to ICH in the Greater Mekong Region. Discussion
among experts at the final workshop (December 2016, Hanoi, Viet Nam)

Research on ICH Affectedby the COVID-19
Pandemic
Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected
Countries in Asia

Multi-disciplinary Study on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development. A
workshop inviting ICH practitioners from the Subanen community (October 2019,
Manila, Philippines)17Annex■ International Meetings and Workshops

Documentation of ICH as a Tool for Community-led Safeguarding Activities
March 2015・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Intensive Working Session on ICH Documentation as a Tool for Community-led Safeguarding Activities

February 2014・・・・・・・・・・・Workshop for Community’s Young Film Makers for ICH Audio-Visual Documentation

Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding
February 2023・・・・・・・・・・・“Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding” Online Working Session for SIDS

August 2022・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・“Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding” Online Workshop for Central Asia

January 2022・・・・・・・・・・・・・Regional Workshop ”Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region”

Research on ICH Contributing to SDGs: Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities

February 2013・・・・・・・・・・・Workshop on ICH Documentation as a Tool for Community Safeguarding Activities
March 2012・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・Intensive Researchers Meeting on Communities and the 2003 Convention

Safeguarding the ICH for the Promotion of Cultural Identity and Community Resilience in Timor-Leste
October 2013・・・・・・・・・・・・・Study Tour for ICH Experts of Timor-Leste

Co-Organiser: UNESCO Jakarta Office, Indonesia

February 2023・・・・・・・・・・・The First International Symposium of “Research on ICH Contributing to SDGs: Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities
and Communities”

Research on the 2003 Convention

ICH’s Contribution to SDGs: Education and Community Development

June 2012・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・The First ICH-Research Forum: The Implementation of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention

December 2021・・・・・・・・・International Symposium “ICH Contributing to Better Education and Sustainable Communities”

January 2013・・・・・・・・・・・・・2013 IRCI Meeting on ICH – Evaluating the Inscription Criteria for the Two Lists of UNESCO’s ICH Convention
Co-Organiser: Maison des Cultures du Monde (MCM), France

January 2021・・・・・・・・・・・・・International Symposium for Research on ICH’s Contribution to SDGs: Education and Community Development

Current Status of ICH, in Particular, Research and Studies on ICH in Urgent Need of Safeguarding

Multi-disciplinary Study on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development: Focusing on Education

August 2012・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・International Field School Alumni Seminar on Safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacific

11/2019・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・International Workshop for Multi-disciplinary Study on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development: Focusing on Education

Co-Organiser: Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC), Thailand

January 2019・・・・・・・・・・・・・IRCI’s International Symposium for Multi-disciplinary Study on ICH’s Contribution to Sustainable Development: Focusing on Education

Symposiums in Cooperation with Sakai City, Osaka, Japan

Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in Asia

November 2016・・・・・・・・・2016 International Symposium on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia- Pacific Region “Transmitting Art and Spirit of ICH”

December 2018・・・・・・・・・IRCI Meeting for Study of Emergency Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected Countries in Asia

Mapping Studies on the Safeguarding of ICH
July 2017 ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・International Symposium “Glocal Perspectives on Intangible Cultural Heritage: Local Communities, Researchers, States and
UNESCO”

Co-Organiser: Center for Glocal Studies(CGS), Seijo University, Japan/Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan

November 2016・・・・・・・・・IRCI Experts Meeting on Mapping Project for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region

Co-Organiser: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan/Sakai City

August 2013・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・International Symposium in Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of ICH
Co-Organiser: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan/Sakai City

February 2013・・・・・・・・・・・Symposium on ICH in the Asia-Pacific Region “ICH in the Asia-Pacific Region – Current Status and Important Issues”
Co-Organiser: Sakai City

October 2011・・・・・・・・・・・・・IRCI Opening Commemorative Symposium

Co-Organiser: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan/Sakai City

December 2015・・・・・・・・・IRCI Experts Meeting on Mapping Project for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Countries
Co-Organiser: Aigine Cultural Research Center, Kyrgyzstan

January 2015・・・・・・・・・・・・・International Experts Meeting of the Project “Mapping Research on the Safeguarding of ICH in the Asia-Pacific Region”
Co-Organiser: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

February 2014・・・・・・・・・・・Preliminary Meeting of the Project “Exploring Research for the Safeguarding of ICH in the Asia-Pacific Region”
Co-Organiser: UNESCO Bangkok Office, Thailand

IRCI Researchers Forum on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
October 2021・・・・・・・・・・・・・The IRCI Researchers Forum “Progress and Challenges in the Research for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage– Towards a Sustainable Future –Co-Organiser: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan

December 2019・・・・・・・・・International Researchers Forum “Perspectives of Research for Intangible Cultural Heritage – towards a Sustainable Society”
Co-Organiser: Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Japan/Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan

November 2017・・・・・・・・・International Symposium “Negotiating Intangible Cultural Heritage”

Co-Organiser: National Museum of Ethnology, Japan/Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan

Research on ICH Safeguarding and Natural Disasters
December 2018・・・・・・・・・Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on ICH and Natural Disasters
Co-Organiser: Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Japan

January 2017・・・・・・・・・・・・・Preliminary Research on ICH Safeguarding and the Disaster Risk Management in the Asia-Pacific Region: International Working

The First International Symposium of “Research on ICH Contributing to SDGs: Intangible
Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Cities and Communities” (February 2023, Nara, Japan)

International Symposium ” ICH Contributing to Better Education and Sustainable
Communities” (December 2021, Online)

International Researchers Forum “Perspectives of Research for Intangible Cultural
Heritage – towards a Sustainable Society” (December 2019, Tokyo, Japan)

Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Natural Disasters(December 2018, Sendai, Japan)

Group Session

Study of Legal Systems Related to ICH in the Greater Mekong Region
December 2016・・・・・・・・・IRCI Final Workshop on the Study of Legal Systems Related to ICH in the Greater Mekong Region

December 2015・・・・・・・・・IRCI Second Workshop on the Study of Legal Systems Related to ICH in the Greater Mekong Region
December 2014・・・・・・・・・IRCI First Workshop on the Study of Legal Systems Related to ICH in Southeast Asia
Co-Organiser: Faculty of Law, Kyushu University, Japan

Research for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Verge of Extinction: Vietnamese ICH Element Dong Ho
Woodblock Printing
January 2015・・・・・・・・・・・・・Workshop on the Roles of the Community Centre in ICH Revitalization: A Case Study of Dong Ho Woodblock Printing
Co-Organiser: Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS)

Research for Endangered Traditional Handicrafts in Post-Conflict States (Sri Lanka)
December 2015・・・・・・・・・Discussion Meeting on Endangered Traditional Handicrafts in Sri Lanka

18 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

19

Annex■ Reports and Publications＊Some publications are available for download on the website https://www.irci.jp/report_publication/

ICH Resilience amid COVID-19 Pandemic(March 2023, 9 pages) ISBN-978-4-9909775-5-9＊

Proceedings of the IRCI Researchers Forum on ICH Safeguarding
in the Asia-Pacific Region “Progress and Challenges in the
Research for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage–Towards a Sustainable Future–”(English, March 2022, 129 pages) ISBN-978-4-9909775-2-8＊This booklet introduces the results ofThis is the proceedings of the IRCI

the questionnaire survey conducted in

Researchers Forum “Progress and

FY 2021 under IRCI’s project

Challenges in the Research for the“Research on ICH Affected by the

Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural

COVID-19 Pandemic” (FY 2021–2023)

Heritage–Towards a Sustainable

to the general public. It describes, with

Future–” held on 29 October 2021 tovisual images, major findings of thecommemorate IRCI’s 10th anniversary.

survey, including the overall situation of

The proceedings include the review of

ICH in the Asia-Pacific region during

progress on the research

the COVID-19 pandemic and voices

for safeguarding ICH in the Asia-Pacificfrom ICH practitioners and local

region and the summary of discussions

communities.

including future research perspectives

Guidelines for “Multi-disciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education” for Formal Education inViet Nam

Proceedings of the International
Researchers Forum “Perspectives of
Research for Intangible Cultural
Heritage — towards a Sustainable
Society”

Project Report “Multidisciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education”

Guidelines for “Multi-disciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education” for Formal Education inViet Nam

Guidelines for “Multi-disciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education” for Non-formal
Education in the Philippines

Guidelines for “Multi-disciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education” for Formal Education inViet Nam(English) (July 2020)＊(March 2020)＊(online version) (February 2020)＊

Guidelines for “Multi-disciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education” for Non-formal
Education in the Philippines(English) (the second edition) (February 2020)＊

and challenges.

Research on ICH’s Contribution to SDGs: Education andCommunity Development: Project Report FY 2020–2021(English, March 2022, 368 pages) ISBN-978-4-9909775-4-2＊

Sustainable Research Data Collection for ICH Safeguarding
in the Asia-Pacific Region: Project Report FY 2019–2021(English, March 2022, 87 pages) ISBN-978-4-9909775-3-5＊This report presents the results of theThis is a report of the “Sustainableproject “Research on ICH’s

Research Data Collection for ICH

Contribution to SDGs: Education and

Safeguarding in the Asia-PacificCommunity Development” conducted

Region” project conducted in FY

in FY 2020-2021. It contains a

2019–2021. Research information

summary of the international symposia

related to ICH was collected inheld in FY 2020 and 2021 and threecollaboration with research institutes incase study reports from collaboratingIndonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia,organisations in Bangladesh,

Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand andIndonesia, and Kyrgyzstan.

Viet Nam. This report summarises three(Vietnamese) (the second edition) (February 2020)＊(English) (the first edition) (October 2019)＊

Report on the IRCI Literature Survey
on Intangible Cultural Heritage
Safeguarding Research(2016−2018) (online version) (March 2019)＊(Vietnamese) (the first edition) (July 2019)＊• Study of Legal Systems Related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater
Mekong Region(November 2017)• International Symposium on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region:
Transmitting Art and Spirit of ICH(March 2017)＊• Research for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Verge ofyears’ activities, their results, and theExtinction: Vietnamese ICH Elelment Dong Ho Woodblock Printing

main points of discussions that were

(March 2017) ISBN 978-4-9906647-9-4• Documentation of ICH as a Tool for Community-led Safeguarding Activities

conducted during workshops andmeetings with collaborators.

(March 2016) ISBN 978-4-9906647-4-9• Towards Safeguarding Endangered Traditional Crafts in Post-Conflict Areas of
Sri Lanka

Proceedings of the Asia-PacificRegional Workshop on Intangible
Cultural Heritage and Natural
Disasters(March 2019)＊

Preliminary Research on ICH
Safeguarding and Disaster Risk
Manegement in the ASIA- PacificRegion(March 2018)＊(Japanese edition) (February 2016) ISBN978-4-9906647-7-0• 2013 Study Tour Report: Toward Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage

for the Promotion of Cultural Identity and Community Resilience in Timor-Leste(March 2015) ISBN 978-4-9906647-5-6＊• Towards Safeguarding Endangered Traditional Crafts in Post-Conflict Areas of
Sri Lanka(English edition) (September 2014) ISBN 978-4-9906647-4-9• 2013 IRCI Meeting on ICH: Evaluating the Inscription Criteria for the Two Listsof UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention(Final Report) (March 2013) ISBN 978-4-9906647-1-8• 2012 International Field School Alumni Seminar on Safeguarding Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific(February 2013)＊• The First ICH-Researchers Forum: “The Implementation of UNESCO’s 2003
Convention”(Final Report) (September 2012) ISBN 978-4-9906647-0-1＊• The First Intensive Researchers Meeting on Communities and the 2003
Research on ICH Affected by the
COVID-19 Pandemic: “A Preliminary
Report of the Questionnaire-Based
Survey Conducted in FY 2021”(August 2022, 26 pages)＊

Project Report “Study of Emergency
Protection of ICH in Conflict-Affected
Countries in Asia” (online version)(March 2021)

20 International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)

Project Report “ICH’s Contribution to
SDGs: Education and Community
Development”(online version) (February 2021)＊

Guidelines for “Multi-disciplinary
Study on ICH’s Contribution to
Sustainable Development: Focusing
on Education” for Nonformal
Education in the Philippines(Subanen) (October 2020)
ISBN 978-621-432-020-2＊

Convention: “Documentation of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a Tool for
Community’s Safeguarding Activities”(July 2012)＊

International Symposium Negotiating
Intagible Cultural Heritage Report(March 2018) ISBN 978-4-9909775-0-4＊

Proceedings of the International
Symposium on Glocal Perspectives
on Intangible Cultural Heritage:Local
Communities, Researchers, States
and UNESCO• The Training Course for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2011
Final Report(2011)＊(November 2017)＊

21