World Heritage in Japan:

Photography by Kazuyoshi Miyoshi

July 7, 2017 – September 1, 2017

Humans have built great civilizations, a plenitude of unique cultures, and, in the wake of four million years of natural history we find ourselves today immersed in a cultural and natural heritage with no apparent bounds or limits.  But the doings of men have often interfered with nature, sometimes even causing its ruin.  It is our charge today to preserve the great heritage of nature, as well as the human cultures.

The World Heritage Convention is a document adopted in 1972 in Paris by a general session of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).  Its aims are to preserve for future generations cultural and natural legacies of the world with conspicuous and universal value.

By 2016, there are 1,052 sites registered as World Heritage sites, and 192 countries pledged to the world that they accept the obligation and responsibility to cooperate with other countries for the preservation and protection of the World Heritage legacies of humankind.

Japan had signed the convention in June 1992, and UNESCO designates 20 World Heritage sites in Japan, consisting of 16 cultural sites and 4 natural sites.  The history can be traced back to the 7th century at Horyu-ji Temple, or the 8th century at Todai-ji Temple in Nara.  These ancient treasures are contrasted against the modern historical legacies such as the Tomioka Silk Mill and the National Museum of Western Art by Le Corbusier in Tokyo.  Diversity is evident among natural sites as well: Shiretoko Peninsula is surrounded by drift ice, while the islands of Okinawa and Ogasawara are located in the middle of the tropical ocean.

Photographer Kazuyoshi Miyoshi introduces the beauty and attraction of these heritage sites through his 67 photographic works.

July 7 – September 1, 2017

GALLERY HOURS

Mon 11:30 am – 6:30 pm EXTENDED HOURS

Tues 11:30 am – 4:30 pm

Wed 11:30 am – 4:30 pm

Thurs 11:30 am – 6:30 pm EXTENDED HOURS

Fri 11:30 am – 4:30 pm

The Japan Foundation, Toronto

2 Bloor Street East

Hudson’s Bay Centre, 3rd floor

Above Royal Bank of Canada

www.jftor.org 416.966.1600 x229

ADMISSION: FREE

Saturday openings:

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

July 8, 22, August 12, 26

Closed: Other Saturdays and Sundays

August 7 (Civic Holiday)

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